CNN reports that Abbott Laboratories has shut down the Sturgis, Michigan baby formula plant because of flooding. This is just two weeks after it reopened. It’s yet another setback for American families.
In a Wednesday statement, the company stated:
On Monday night, severe thunderstorms brought heavy rains to southwestern Michigan. This caused flooding in the region and power outages. These torrential storms produced significant rainfall in a short period of time – overwhelming the city’s stormwater system in Sturgis, Mich., and resulting in flooding in parts of the city, including areas of our plant.
Abbott has halted production of EleCare’s specialty formula, which was being used to evaluate storm damage and clean up the facility. FDA was notified. We will continue to test the plant with the third-party independent testing to make sure it is safe for production. It is likely that this will delay the production of and distribution for new products for several weeks.
CNN reported that initially, the factory was closed for several weeks after Cronobacter.sakazakii bacteria was discovered in the facility by the Food and Drug Administration.
This was the reason why there was a shortage of baby formula. However, the company claims that it has enough supply this time.
According to historical demand and projected futures, Abbott currently has sufficient supply of EleCare as well as most of its metabolic and specialty formulas to satisfy the needs of these products while new product becomes available. The products are available to the consumers who require them in collaboration with their healthcare providers. To get more information for parents and caregivers, contact your healthcare provider or Abbott at +800-881-881-0876
In June, Abbott will have made 8.7 million pounds (or the equivalent to 168.2 millions 6 oz.) of infant formula for the United States. feedings. This figure is 95% less than what was produced in January prior to the recall.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert M. Califf posted a lengthy Twitter thread about the factory’s closure, saying that this is a “setback,” but it’s not a major cause for concern.
Today, we were made aware of the weather-related situation at Abbott’s Sturgis, Mich. facility. The CEO was the one I talked to tonight. We discussed our common desire to have the facility back up and running as fast as possible.
The tweets went on:
While this is an unfortunate setback and a reminder that natural weather events can also cause unforeseen supply chain disruptions, I want to reassure consumers the all-of-government work to increase supply means we’ll have more than enough product to meet current demand.
While this is an unfortunate setback and a reminder that natural weather events can also cause unforeseen supply chain disruptions, I want to reassure consumers the all-of-government work to increase supply means we’ll have more than enough product to meet current demand.
— Dr. Robert M. Califf (@DrCaliff_FDA) June 16, 2022
The total formula stock available before Sturgis plants are re-opened is greater than the formula demand prior to the recall.
— Dr. Robert M. Califf (@DrCaliff_FDA) June 16, 2022
FDA’s top priority is to ensure that caregivers and parents have easy access to safe, affordable infant formula. Our teams work night and day to make this happen.
— Dr. Robert M. Califf (@DrCaliff_FDA) June 16, 2022
Operation Fly Formula was launched by the Biden administration to address the problem in May. As the Federal Government imports formulas from other nations into the United States, the project helps to alleviate the current crisis. The White House released a statement saying that Thursday’s seventh mission is the Nestle formula, which is from Switzerland, is being flown to Louisville.
The operation still deserves attention, however, since it shows the U.S. vulnerability to the most basic needs.
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