Abbott Laboratories is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. The company confirmed Friday, a year after shuttering. A Michigan baby-formula plant following reports of illness.Abbott did not specify which aspect of the company. As under investigation by the Justice Department.
“The DOJ has informed us of its investigation and we. Are cooperating ,” an Abbott spokesman said. In a statement to NBC News.
Is investigating conduct at Abbott’s plant in Sturgis, Michigan, citing. Unnamed people familiar with the matter. NBC News has not confirmed the nature of the investigation.
The DOJ declined to comment Saturday.
Abbott halted production at its Sturgis infant. Formula manufacturing plant on February 17, 2022. After infants consuming formula made at the plant became ill.
The shutdown contributed to nationwide infant formula shortages.
Four babies, two of whom died, were sickened by a rare bacteria. After consuming powdered formula made at Abbott’s Michigan factory.
Federal investigators have not been able. To definitively determine the source or origin of the bacteria, Cronobacter sakazakii. Which can cause fatal illnesses.
The company signed a consent decree with the federal government.
Was announced that “the government alleged that powdered infant formula products manufactured. At Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis facility. Were adulterated because they were manufactured under unsanitary conditions. And in violation of current good manufacturing practice requirements.”
Production at the Michigan plant, which makes three of the nation’s most popular. Brands — Similac, Alimentum and Elecare — resumed in June.
Abbott Labs previously said it “continue[s]. To improve our manufacturing and quality processes. To ensure our products remain. Free of Cronbacter sakazakii” and “has already begun implementing corrective actions. And enhancements at the facility.”
A lack of a genetic match between the sick children and the formula. And it said it had not found the bacteria in any of the products it distributed.