A federal investigation is taking place into whether the Food and Drug Administration properly followed its guidelines and methods in the contamination and recall of baby formula. These have ultimately led to a shortage nationwide and may have caused some infants to die.
On Thursday, the Department of Health and Human Services stated that they will look to see of the FDA inspected Abbott’s facility in Sturgis, MI. This facility has been the focus of the recall of baby formula.
In March, it was suspected that the company’s plant had been contaminated with a bacteria called, Cronobacter sakazakii. Four infants were infected, and two of them died.
Products that were recalled included some types of Similac, Similac Alimentum, and EleCare formula products.
Because of the recall, many stores, throughout the country, aren’t able to offer baby formula.
“…I hope the OIG moves speedily to uncover answers so that we can prevent this crisis from potentially happening again,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro.
In May, President Biden invoked the Defense Production Act in order to swiftly produce baby formula. He also put guidelines in place to help the importation of millions of bottles of baby formula from overseas.
