Abbott Hit with Class Action Lawsuit Over High-Sugar Toddler Milk and False Health Claims

The toddler milk lawsuit represents a significant legal battle against Abbott Laboratories, the manufacturer of popular Similac products. The Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) filed a class action lawsuit in January 2025, accusing Abbott of misleading parents about the nutritional value of its sugar-laden toddler milks.

The lawsuit specifically targets two Abbott products: “Go & Grow Toddler Drink by Similac” and “Pure Bliss Toddler Drink by Similac,” alleging misleading labeling and marketing practices.

Key Legal Claims in the Toddler Milk Lawsuit

Misleading Marketing and Labeling

The products are labeled “Stage 3,” while Abbott’s infant formula is “Stage 1” and its transitional formula is labeled “Stage 2”. This progressive numbering system creates the false impression that toddler milk is a necessary nutritional progression for growing children.

The lawsuit alleges that the drinks’ primary ingredients—sugar, corn syrup, vegetable oils, and highly processed carbohydrates—render Abbott’s health marketing claims dangerously false.

Sugar Content Concerns

According to the lawsuit, Abbott’s toddler milk products each contain four grams of added sugar per serving—which is 22.9% added sugar for the company’s “Go & Grow Toddler Drink,” and 20% added sugar for its “Pure Bliss Toddler Drink”.

This high sugar content directly contradicts health recommendations for young children and raises serious nutritional concerns.

Regulatory Gaps Exploited

Unlike FDA-regulated infant formulas, toddler milks are not regulated by the FDA. This regulatory gap allows manufacturers to market products with questionable nutritional value without stringent oversight.

Background of the Toddler Milk Industry Controversy

Market Confusion and Consumer Deception

Experts say many toddler beverages feature bold, eye-catching labels that can resemble infant formula packaging. This deliberate design similarity confuses parents into believing these products are nutritionally necessary.

Financial Impact on Families

Parents report buying “two to three cans at a time” during shortages, describing the products as “very expensive”. The lawsuit represents families who spent significant money on products they believed were nutritionally beneficial for their children.

Legal Precedents and Related Cases

Abbott’s Legal History

Abbott Laboratories has faced multiple lawsuits regarding infant nutrition products. In July 2024, a Missouri jury returned a $495 million verdict against Abbott Laboratories, finding that their Similac formula contributed to a baby’s NEC diagnosis.

Broader Industry Accountability

Over 600 families have filed NEC baby formula lawsuits to seek justice and hold companies accountable for their negligence. This demonstrates a pattern of legal challenges against major formula manufacturers.

Current Status of Toddler Milk Lawsuits

Recent Developments (August 2025)

Multiple parents have joined the proposed class action lawsuit against Abbott Nutrition, with cases gaining momentum throughout 2025. The legal proceedings are actively developing as more families come forward.

Expanding Legal Actions

The lawsuits represent growing parent frustration with toddler milk marketing practices, indicating potential for additional legal actions against other manufacturers.

Legal Implications for Consumers

Potential Outcomes

If successful, the toddler milk lawsuit could result in:

• Financial compensation for affected families
• Mandatory changes to product labeling
• Stricter marketing regulations
• Industry-wide reformulation requirements

Consumer Protection Impact

The lawsuit aims to establish precedent for truth-in-advertising standards in the unregulated toddler milk market.

Health and Safety Considerations

Medical Expert Concerns

Health professionals have raised significant concerns about toddler milk products, particularly their high sugar content and lack of nutritional necessity for healthy children.

Nutritional Alternatives

Most pediatricians recommend whole milk and a balanced diet for toddlers over specialized “toddler milk” products, which are generally unnecessary for healthy children.

How to Get Involved in the Toddler Milk Lawsuit

Eligibility Criteria

Parents may be eligible to join the class action if they:

• Purchased Abbott’s “Go & Grow” or “Pure Bliss” toddler drinks
• Relied on marketing claims about nutritional benefits
• Suffered financial harm from misleading advertising

Documentation Requirements

Important documents to preserve include:

• Purchase receipts
• Product packaging
• Medical records (if applicable)
• Evidence of reliance on marketing claims

Frequently Asked Questions About Toddler Milk Lawsuits

What products are involved in the lawsuit?

The lawsuit specifically targets Abbott’s “Go & Grow Toddler Drink by Similac” and “Pure Bliss Toddler Drink by Similac”.

Why are toddler milks controversial?

Unlike FDA-regulated infant formulas, toddler milks are not regulated by the FDA, allowing manufacturers to market products with questionable nutritional claims.

What are the main legal claims?

The lawsuit alleges misleading marketing, deceptive labeling, and false nutritional claims about products containing high levels of added sugar and processed ingredients.

How much sugar do these products contain?

Abbott’s toddler milk products contain four grams of added sugar per serving—22.9% added sugar for “Go & Grow” and 20% for “Pure Bliss”.

Are toddler milks necessary for child nutrition?

Most pediatric nutrition experts agree that healthy toddlers do not need specialized “toddler milk” products and can meet their nutritional needs through whole milk and a balanced diet.

What compensation might be available?

While specific damages haven’t been determined, class action lawsuits typically seek financial compensation for product purchases, plus punitive damages for misleading marketing practices.

How do I join the lawsuit?

Contact qualified class action attorneys who are handling toddler milk cases. Many law firms are actively recruiting eligible participants.

What evidence should I preserve?

Keep purchase receipts, product packaging, and any documentation showing you relied on Abbott’s marketing claims when making purchase decisions.

How long might the lawsuit take?

Class action lawsuits typically take several years to resolve, depending on the complexity of claims and whether the case goes to trial or settles.

Could other companies face similar lawsuits?

Given the industry-wide nature of toddler milk marketing practices, other manufacturers could potentially face similar legal challenges.

Legal Resources and Next Steps

Finding Legal Representation

Multiple law firms are accepting toddler milk lawsuit cases on a contingency basis, meaning no upfront legal fees for participants.

Staying Informed

Monitor legal developments through:

• Court filings and case updates
• Consumer advocacy organizations
• Legal news outlets covering class action litigation

Consumer Protection Advocacy

The toddler milk lawsuit represents broader efforts to protect consumers from misleading marketing in the infant nutrition industry.

Conclusion: The Future of Toddler Milk Regulation

The toddler milk lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories highlights critical issues in infant nutrition marketing and consumer protection. This class action lawsuit represents parents seeking accountability from a major corporation accused of misleading consumers to increase profits by overstating nutritional benefits.

As legal proceedings continue, the case may establish important precedents for truth-in-advertising standards and potentially lead to stronger regulatory oversight of the previously unregulated toddler milk market.

Parents considering joining the lawsuit should consult with qualified attorneys to understand their legal options and preserve relevant documentation of their purchases and reliance on Abbott’s marketing claims.

This article provides general legal information and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with qualified attorneys for specific legal guidance regarding toddler milk lawsuits.