Baby Food in Three Weeks, Abbott Nutrition says FDA green lights production

 By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#USA, June 6, 2022 – Abbott Nutrition has received the go ahead to resume making some types of baby formula in its Michigan plant. The plant was shut down in February this year after complaints of possible Cronobacter Sakazakii contamination and several infants falling ill.

Two infants eventually died, and an FDA investigation found that Abbott did indeed have a strain of the bacteria present at their site in Michigan.

Reports from the FDA found that Abbott, “did not establish a system of process controls covering all stages of processing to ensure formula did not become altered.”

It also found that Abbott “did not ensure all surfaces that contacted infant formula were maintained to prevent contamination and personnel in direct contact with ingredients did not wear protective equipment.”

However Abbott says it has now received permission from FDA and it will start with production of specialty formulas including EleCare for babies who cannot have regular formula.

These formulas will be available to the general public in less than three weeks

A statement from the company said, “We understand the urgent need for formula and our top priority is getting high-quality, safe formula into the hands of families across America. We will ramp production as quickly as we can while meeting all requirements. We’re committed to safety and quality and will do everything we can to re-earn the trust parents, caregivers and health care providers have placed in us for 130 years.”

The White House was forced to act, shipping baby food from overseas in an emergency move to swiftly fill the shortage in the United States.