# US infant formula NEC litigation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-infant-formula-nec-litigation > Updated: 2026-08-20T22:43:56.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Litigation regarding necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants linked to specialty baby formulas has progressed from scheduled federal bellwether trials toward significant settlements. In mid-2026, legal proceedings in the Northern District of Illinois were set to begin bellwether trials to test theories on causation and damages. This followed previous state court jury verdicts against manufacturers Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson/Reckitt, including a $495 million verdict in Missouri. Subsequently, Abbott reached a $670 million settlement with three law firms to resolve claims from approximately 2,000 individuals. This agreement resolves a major case involving a prior $495 million jury verdict. While Abbott agreed to drop appeals related to the Illinois verdict, the company did not admit liability and maintains its products are safe, describing the settlement as a step toward “substantially resolving the overall litigation.” Despite this settlement, substantial litigation remains. Abbott noted that up to 12,700 similar claims are still outstanding, and approximately 1,700 lawsuits continue to be filed against both Abbott and Mead Johnson. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: Abbott reaches US$670 million settlement over infant formula claims Abbott has agreed to a US$670 million settlement to resolve claims from 2,000 people alleging its preterm infant formula caused necrotizing enterocolitis, though thousands of claims remain. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abbott-reaches-us670-million-settlement-over-infant-formula-claims ### 2026-08-07: NEC baby formula lawsuits face upcoming federal bellwether trials Hundreds of baby formula lawsuits regarding necrotizing enterocolitis remain pending, with federal bellwether trials scheduled to begin in July 2026 following significant state court verdicts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nec-baby-formula-lawsuits-face-upcoming-federal-bellwether-trials --- Cite as: US infant formula NEC litigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-infant-formula-nec-litigation