Photo: AP Photo/Sturgis Journal, Brandon Watson
Abbott Laboratories is temporarily suspending production at a Michigan plant after heavy rains flooded the inside of the factory.
On Wednesday, the health care company released astatementsaying that serious thunderstorms and “torrential storms” throughout the southwestern part of the state Monday caused major flooding in the city of Sturgis, including areas of its plant.
Abbott said it has informed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the unfortunate event and will conduct “comprehensive testing” alongside the federal agency to make sure it’s safe to resume production at the plant in the near future.
“Based upon historical demand and current projections, Abbott has ample existing supply of EleCare and most of its specialty and metabolic formulas to meet needs for these products until new product is available,” the release said. “These products are being released to consumers in need in coordination with healthcare professionals.”
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When reached for comment, Abbott referred PEOPLE to the latest statement and cited its most recent prodution numbers.
“Abbott will have produced 8.7 million pounds of infant formula in June for the U.S., or the equivalent of 168.2 million 6 oz. feedings,” a spokesperson says. “This is 95% of what we produced in January, prior to the recall and does not include production from Sturgis.”
Amid the latest setback, FDA commissioner Dr. Robert M. Califftook to Twitterto alleviate any concerns that the latest shutdown will further exacerbate the national formula shortage.
“Abbott has been exceeding the monthly quantity of formula that it produced in 2021 – all while the Sturgis facility is out of production,” Califf tweeted Wednesday. “Other producers also continue to make formula at higher-than-average rates, and we continue to exercise flexibility to import add’l formula.”
“Abbott has been exceeding the monthly quantity of formula that it produced in 2021 – all while the Sturgis facility is out of production,” Califf wrote onTwitter. “Other producers also continue to make formula at higher-than-average rates, and we continue to exercise flexibility to import add’l formula.”
The FDA commissioner went on to explain that currently, the country’s supply of available formula “exceeds the demand for formula prior to the recall” before the Sturgis plant even resumes production again.
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“We know that some children have been hospitalized because of the lack of EleCare, a specialized formula for children who cannot digest other formulas and milks,” Ford said. “I will not mince words — this is tragic and heartbreaking, and it is consuming my thoughts and those of my colleagues. Our highest priority is getting babies safe, quality formula they need as fast as possible.”
source: people.com
