Abbott Laboratories said it could have some of its recalled infant formulas back on store shelves within eight to 10 weeks after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gives its approval, though it’s unclear when that approval may come.
For months, parents and babies have endured a nationwide shortage of infant formulas, partly linked to Abbott’s February recall of Similac, Similac Alimentum and EleCare powder formulas made at a Sturgis, Michigan, facility as the FDA investigated complaints of Cronobacter sakazakii infections among four babies who reportedly consumed formula made there. All four babies were hospitalized, and Cronobacter may have contributed to two babies’ death, according to the FDA.
North suburban-based Abbott said in a statement Wednesday that it has taken action to address issues in its Sturgis plant, and it could restart production there within two weeks of getting approval from the FDA. Once it has that approval, it would first produce EleCare, Similac Alimentum and metabolic formulas, which are formulas for babies with special nutritional needs. It would then resume production of Similac and other formulas, according to the statement. Once production is restarted, it would take six to eight weeks before the products would return to stores.
