Abbott Apologizes For US Baby Formula Shortage
Faizan Hashmi Published May 26, 2022 | 09:00 AM
Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th May, 2022 ) :A top Abbott official apologized Wednesday to US families affected by the baby formula shortage, acknowledging the manufacturer of the essential product "let you down." "We are deeply sorry and are committed to making sure that a shortage like this never happens again," said Christopher Calamari, the senior vice president of nutrition, in testimony before Congress.
He said "it will take time" to regain families' trust, but the company is doing everything it can to resolve the crisis.
The United States has been struggling with a severe shortage of infant formula for months.
Initially caused by supply chain blockages and a lack of workers due to the pandemic, the shortage was exacerbated in February when, after the death of two infants, Abbott announced a "voluntary recall" for formula made at its factory in Michigan.
Regulators forced the company to shut down that location to resolve complaints it did not adequately protect against contamination from bacteria.
"Frankly, the inspection results were shocking," said FDA chief Robert Califf.
There was standing water in key equipment "that present the potential for bacterial contamination," leaks in the roof and a lack of basic hygiene facilities such as for washing hands, he said.
FDA teams concluded there was a weak culture of safety in production for an "essential" good, he said.
However, Calamari said, "we continue to believe that there is no conclusive evidence to link our formula" to the infant illnesses and deaths blamed on the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii.
Though the organism was found in certain areas of the Michigan factory, the samples were taken from areas that "do not come into direct contact" with the formula, he said.
Abbott's Michigan plant is one of the largest formula factories in the United States, and produces specialized recipes for children with certain allergies or metabolic conditions.
The FDA said it has made a series of visits to the Sturgis, Michigan location, the last on March 18.
"We knew that ceasing plant operations would create supply problems but we had no choice given the unsanitary conditions," Califf said.
The FDA director acknowledged that the investigation was slow to start, which he blamed on the pandemic. He said the agency could not start the probe until late January because of Abbott employees testing positive for Covid-19.
The agency's process was "too slow" and lacked coordination, Califf admitted, but there was no "intentional delay."The crisis has gotten so bad that President Joe Biden announced last week that the US government would fly in formula on commercial planes contracted by the military. Biden also invoked the Defense Production Act to give baby formula manufacturers first priority in supplies.
The first military plane carrying more than 31 tons of formula from Germany landed Sunday at an airport in Indiana.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Tennis: ATP Barcelona Open results - 1st update
Swiatek's perfect 10 in Stuttgart as Vondrousova stuns Sabalenka
Arandu's roads closed due to flooding
Oil tanker catches fire in Islamabad’s Blue Area
Pakistan committed to ensure safety of foreign nationals: FO
Tennis: WTA Stuttgart results - 1st update
Four passengers injured as train hit an empty vehicle
Over- speeding bus crushed to death two bike riders
Turkey's Freedom Flotilla ready to set sail for Gaza
French teen dies from heart failure after knife attack near school
Iranians appear unfazed by Isfahan blasts
UAF celebrates Int'l Chinese Language Day
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
15 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
5 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
5 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
8 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
11 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
12 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
13 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
13 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
13 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
15 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
15 days ago