According to reports, the Justice Department has launched an investigation into Abbott Laboratories’ infant formula plant in Sturgis, Michigan. The investigation is regarding conduct at the plant in connection to the contamination investigation that forced the plant to close last year.
The report of the investigation comes from a source familiar with the matter who spoke with ABC News. Abbott then confirmed the news, with a spokesperson for the company telling ABC News that the “DOJ has informed us of its investigation, and we’re cooperating fully.”
The criminal investigation is being conducted by the Consumer Protection Branch of the DOJ, according to the report.
The shutdown of the plant was due to the discovery of bacteria that prompted a massive voluntary formula recall last February, resulting in a nationwide shortage. Four babies contracted a Cronobacter infection after consuming the formula.
Two of the four infants who were infected died from the disease. However, Abbott maintains there hasn’t been conclusive evidence that its formula caused their illnesses as the Cronobacter strains found at the plant did not match the two samples genetically sequenced from the children.
Even still, officials with the Food and Drug Administration have shared that the investigation is still ongoing.
While the Sturgis plant closed due to the discovery of the bacteria inside it, several operational deficiencies, and consumer complaints, it reopened in June, and it restarted production of its Similac brand in August.
Related
Related
