Production at a major baby formula plant in the United States is being delayed after storms hit Michigan this week.
Abbott stated on June 15 that it was halting production of a specialty formula at its plant in Sturgis, Michigan, to assess flooding damage caused by the storm and clean and resanitize the plant.
The plant then will need to be inspected by U.S. regulators and an independent third party, per a consent agreement reached by Abbott and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“This will likely delay production and distribution of new product for a few weeks,” Abbott stated.
The Sturgis plant was shut in February after environmental samples showed the presence of a bacteria that had sickened multiple infants who had consumed formula.
The shutdown led to nationwide formula shortages—a problem that still hasn’t been fully resolved.
According to Datasembly, the out-of-stock rate for formula was at 43 percent for the week ending on May 8. The company hasn’t released an update since May.
Once the plant is back in operation, EleCare production will resume first, followed by other specialty and metabolic formulas, according to Abbott.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf, testifying to members of Congress in Washington, said what happened “is an unfortunate setback and a reminder that natural weather events can cause unforeseen disruptions in supply chains.”
Califf said he has been in touch with Abbott executives and that FDA employees will be communicating with Abbott on a daily basis.
The company has ramped up production at its other plants, including some outside the United States, and other major manufacturers have also increased production, which means “there will be adequate supply” in the near future, according to Califf. Other efforts include relaxing import restrictions.
“We had hoped to have had a super supply so we could get the shelves completely restocked,” he said. “The estimate is perhaps two weeks. It is too early to give an exact estimate of what the delay will be in the Sturgis plant.”
Califf told lawmakers in early June that it could take about two months for the supply of formula to reach typical levels.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Health Committee, said lawmakers are “extremely focused on” the formula crisis and that she hoped the flooding at Abbott’s plant doesn’t worsen the situation.
