The FDA, CDC, and local partners investigated consumer complaints, and reports received by the FDA from 9/20/2021 to 1/11/2022, of illnesses among infants reported to have consumed powdered infant formula products from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis MI facility. On May 12, 2022, the CDC closed the investigation due to a lack of new cases. The FDA established an Incident Management Group (IMG) on April 1, 2022, to continue to work on supply chain and food safety issues. Abbott has committed to completing enhanced testing of stored product batches before making release determinations. The FDA has informed Abbott Nutrition that the agency has no objection to the company immediately releasing products to fulfill specific needs. The FDA is concerned that the risk of not having specific specialty and metabolic products available could significantly worsen underlying medical conditions. Abbott has confirmed with the FDA that the company will consider releasing these products on a case-by-case basis, depending on product availability and the severity of the individual’s need. The recall caused a shortage of infant formula, creating a scandal that prompted the Congress to begin hearing on infant formula shortages. Mainstream media continue to post stories about the parents’ complaints about their inability to obtain infant formula. The FDA claims to be working around the clock to solve the problem. Lawmakers heavily criticize the time elapsed between the first illness report and the beginning of the FDA investigation. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/fda-investigation-cronobacter-infections-powdered-infant-formula-february-2022?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
