The Abbott Laboratories baby formula plant at the center of several infant illnesses last year is being formally investigated by the Department of Justice.
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the Justice Department is investigating the plant in Sturgis, Mich., with attorneys for the Justice Department's consumer-protection branch conducting the investigation.
“The DOJ has informed us of its investigation, and we’re cooperating fully,” an Abbott spokesman said.
Nearly a year ago, Abbott voluntarily recalled its Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formulas produced in the Michigan plant. The recall, and a subsequent FDA investigation, followed cronobacter bacteria samples being found at the Sturgis facility, which ultimately led to the plant being shut down for several months.
According to a Reuters report, the FDA "found 'shocking' results during an inspection such as cracks in vital equipment, a lack of adequate hand-washing and evidence of previous bacterial contamination.'
The closing of the facility contributed to a nationwide shortage of infant formula, which reached crisis proportions last year. Following the shutdown, the troubled baby-formula plant went back online in June, only to be shut down a week later following flooding that forced the plant to shut down again. The plant re-opened again in July.
