Following a months-long shutdown, Abbott Laboratories began production once again, specifically on a specialty brand of its infant formula, at its Sturgis, Michigan facility.
The company announced that it had met initial requirements that it had agreed to with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to begin production again as families continue to struggle to find formula for their children.
The production is seen as a crucial step in ending the baby formula shortage that the U.S. has struggled with, but products still aren't expected to be on shelves for another two weeks.
The factory had shut down in February, which resulted in the supply issues that are plaguing the U.S. Not having the Michigan plant up and running resulted in shortages of top brands like Similac but also the EleCare formula meant for infants and kids with gastrointestinal disorders.
"Abbott is starting production of EleCare and other specialty and metabolic formulas, with initial EleCare product release to consumers beginning on or about June 20," Abbott's website says. "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 work to reopen the factory began last month as parents struggled to find products, and some kids were even hospitalized because they couldn't find the hypoallergenic formula they needed.
"We understand the urgent need for formula and our top priority is getting high-quality, safe formula into the hands of families across America," Abbott said in its statement. "We will ramp production as quickly as we can while meeting all requirements."
Abbott had to shut down the Sturgis factory after an FDA investigation found four infants who had consumed formula produced contracted bacterial infections. However, the company has said there was no direct link between its products and the infections.
"In all four cases, the state, FDA, and/or CDC tested samples of the Abbott formula that was used by the child," Abbott has said. "In all four cases, all unopened containers tested negative."
Nonetheless, the company shared in its statement that they are doing all they can to ensure parents feel safe with their products once again.
"We're committed to safety and quality and will do everything we can to re-earn the trust parents, caregivers and health care providers have placed in us for 130 years," the statement said.
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