The Abbott Laboratories baby formula plant in Sturgis, Mich., whose closure contributed to a nationwide shortage of formula, soon will be back up and running – at least partially.
Abbott announced on June 4 that the plant, which was closed in February, will be back to producing formula by June 20. The first products will be EleCare, a product for babies with digestive problems, and other specialty formulas. “We're also working hard to fulfill the steps necessary to restart production of Similac and other formulas and will do so as soon as we can,” the statement said, but did not give a timeline for production of those mainstream products.
The plant was closed under a consent decree with FDA, after four infants became ill after consuming formula made there, and inspections revealed bacterial contamination. The closure contributed to a nationwide shortage that led the Biden administration to take measures like airlifting formula supplies from overseas.
