Abbott Laboratories' key baby formula factory in Michigan restarted operations after torrential rains prompted its closure last month, sparking optimism that the nationwide shortage of infant formula could ease in the coming weeks.
The largest infant formula manufacturer in the US stopped production at its main facility in Sturgis, Michigan, on June 16 due to storms that caused severe flooding.
The closure occurred just two weeks after it had started up again after being halted early this year as a result of an inspection by the Food and Drug Administration that discovered contamination at the factory.
According to Abbott spokesperson John Koval, the facility resumed manufacturing of EleCare, specialized formula for children with severe digestive issues and food allergies, on July 1.
Koval added that the factory was working to "restart" the production of the leading brand Similac the soonest as possible.
"We'll provide more information when we have it," he told the Associated Press.
Troubled Factory
As per a report from CNBC, the FDA inspection discovered contamination following four bacterial infections among infants who were fed powdered formula from the facility, which caused the plant to stop manufacturing Similac and other brands in February. Two of the infants died.
Abbot said the infections, which featured various bacterial strains, were not connected to its goods.
FDA investigators did, however, finally find several irregularities at the facility, including bacterial contamination, a leaky roof, and weak safety procedures, per CBS News.
Supplies were already under pressure due to hoarding during COVID-19 shutdowns and supply chain disruptions when Abbot's major infant formula production was closed down.
Retailers like Walgreens, CVS, and Target started limiting the number of baby formula products that may be bought at once in April. Datasembly statistics at the period showed that in 26 states, between 40 and 50 percent of baby formula products were out of stock.
Data from market research firm Information Resources Incorporated until July 3 show that more than 20% of formula products, including powder, ready-to-drink, and liquid, have been out of stock for the past month (IRI).
Before Abbott Nutrition's February nationwide recall of infant formula, 10% of infant formula products were frequently out of stock.
Abbot Baby Formula Plant Shut Down Highlights Supply Chain Vulnerability
Through Operation Fly Formula, the Biden administration has distributed millions of pounds of powdered formula, but the stock levels for that particular product are considerably worse, as per CNN.
The Food and Drug Administration arranged to assist foreign manufacturers of baby formula who have shipped supplies under an emergency approval to fill the gap and get long-term authorization to sell their formula in the United States on Wednesday. The goal is to provide American consumers with more options while strengthening supply chains to withstand current or upcoming disruptions.
The shutdown of the Abbot Sturgis plant, complicated by "unforeseen natural weather occurrences," has highlighted precisely how "vulnerable" the supply chain has become," said Dr. Robert Califf, commissioner of the FDA, and Susan Mayne, head of the agency's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
According to The Guardian, Abbott's production issues have harshly impacted impoverished families. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Wn, Infants, and Children, which primarily assists low-income women and their children, provides the formula to about half the beneficiaries.
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