As millions of parents continue to deal with the ongoing baby formula crisis, new developments were reported Monday.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf told NBC News the agency will investigate the delay in dispatching inspectors to check out reported salmonella issues at the Abbott Laboratories plant in Michigan. While the first complaints were received in September, the facility was not shut down until February, triggering the eventual nationwide formula shortage.
Califf said parents should expect to hear good news from Abbott and the FDA soon, suggesting the Michigan formula factory could open in "a few weeks."
Meanwhile, on Friday, the federal government launched a new website for parents desperately searching for formula. The site lists numerous resources where help may be available.
Rob Kelley is a supply chain expert with Dallas-based Headstorm. He said there is another factor that is not gaining much attention amid the baby formula crisis - general milk demand is notably higher in the U.S., making another key ingredient more difficult to find. He said labor shortages also play a role in the overall equation. Then again, Kelley said small signs of progress are being made, and he added that once the main Abbott plant reopens, things should quickly start falling into place. His estimate is that supplies of baby formula could return to normal by mid-June.
Kelley spoke with KRLD's Chris Sommer.
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