Just two weeks after manufacturing resumed amid a months-long formula shortage, production of EleCare formula has stopped at Abbott, one of the nation’s largest baby formula producers due to flooding.
According to CNN, a severe thunderstorm and rain swept through Michigan causing high winds and hail.
Abbott said in a statement:
Severe thunderstorms and heavy rains came through southwestern Michigan on Monday evening, resulting in high winds, hail, power outages and flood damage throughout the area.
The statement also read:
As a result, Abbott has stopped production of its EleCare specialty formula that was underway to assess damage caused by the storm and clean and re-sanitize the plant. We have informed FDA and will conduct comprehensive testing in conjunction with the independent third party to ensure the plant is safe to resume production. This will likely delay production and distribution of new product for a few weeks.
Production is expected to resume once the facility is “re-santitized.” Once the facility is back open, production will start on EleCare formula.
In a tweet, Dr. Robert Califf of US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner stated:
We know Abbott is working quickly to assess the damage and will be reporting its progress to us in the days ahead. Once the company establishes a plan, FDA will be back in the facility working to ensure that they can restart producing safe and quality formula products quickly.
