Following widespread shortage across the US, senior administration officials have called for an increase in infant formula imports.
When Abbott Nutrition closed its plant in Sturgis, Michigan, it caused a massive decrease in the supply chain of infant formula products. Datasembly, a retail tracking company, puts the decrease of the total supply at 43% during the first week of May.
The Food and Drug Administration has announced a warning against the use of certain products from Abbott Nutrition, including their powder-based infant formula. The agency reported two deaths since September in which victims were consuming the company’s Similac specialty product — one being an infant who recently died last February.
Both infants were found to have Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacteria that can cause severe illness or death in young children. On February 28, Abbott voluntarily pushed for an expanded recall of their products operating within Michigan and eventually closed down the plant to investigate the matter.
The company has recalled several products, including Similac PM 60/40, Alimentum, Similac, and EleCare. The formulas were manufactured at the Michigan plant. When tests ran, Cronobacter sakazakii was detected but not in the place where the products were made.
Authorities further ran tests on all products in the plant, but all came back negative for the bacteria.
The FDA and CDC advise consumers to check if the products they bought are recalled on Abbott Nutrition’s official website before consuming them. Until further notice, consumers are encouraged to refrain from buying the listed products.
The ongoing problems caused the sudden drop in infant formula products across the United States. It has forced parents to look for alternative solutions.
US Government authorities are now calling for an increase in importation to solve the problem. The boost of imports will temporarily cover up any lack until Michigan’s factory resumes production again, forecasted weeks from now. It will be challenging to make up for the demands since Abbott Nutrition remains one of the biggest companies providing infant formula products.
The FDA has not yet approved the production of Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis plant, but it may be able to resume operations once more. Whether or when this will happen depends mainly upon further investigations by CDC and health departments across America who have closed their cases involving Cronobacter infections after finding no new infections at either location.
CDC has issued a warning about Cronobacter bacteria, which can cause swelling of the linings around an infected’s brain or spinal cord. This infection may lead to feverishness and crying spells that seem excessive in duration compared with what is usual for an infant. In addition, there might be low energy levels alongside irregular feeding behavior before finally resulting in seizure symptoms.
This Thursday, President Joe Biden met with Walmart, Target, Gerber, and Rickett to discuss measures that the companies can take to reduce the shortage of infant products. Biden also notified other agencies like The Federal Trade Commission so they might take action against those who engage in predatory behavior during the scarcity.
Opinions expressed by US Insider contributors are their own.
