By Jo Ling Kent and Minyvonne Burke -
NBC News
Abbott Nutrition restarted infant formula production at its Sturgis, Michigan, plant on Saturday after meeting initial requirements set by the FDA, or Food and Drug Administration.
The company began production of EleCare and other specialty and metabolic formulas.
EleCare products are expected to launch around June 20.
Despite the efforts of the Government, the shortage of baby formula already affects 70% of the shelves
June 1, 202201:43
"We are also working hard to complete the necessary steps to restart production of Similac and other formulations and will do so as soon as we can," an Abbott spokesman said.
"We understand the urgent need for formula, and our top priority is getting safe, high-quality formula into the hands of families across America."
[Six cans of baby formula for $166. Abusive prices on the internet drive parents to despair]
Abbott was allowed to resume production after agreeing to a consent decree with the FDA, which stipulates that the Sturgis facility must hire an independent expert to review operations and ensure the company complies with the law.
The decree, which requires judicial approval, also includes measures to test products and stop production in the event of contamination.
Lilly Hull arrives with her newborn son Teddy for training at the Washington Breastfeeding Center as the US battles a baby formula shortage, on May 19, 2022 in Washington, DC. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images
"We will ramp up production as quickly as we can while meeting all requirements," the Abbott spokesman said.
"We are committed to safety and quality and will do everything we can to restore the trust that parents, caregivers and healthcare providers have placed in us for 130 years."
[Two Children Hospitalized Due to “Health Crisis” Due to Lack of Baby Formula]
Abbott closed its plant in February following FDA guidance after samples of the deadly cronobacter were detected "in medium and high care areas of powdered infant formula production," prompting a massive recall of its formula.
