(Newswire.net — May 30, 2022) — The U.S. infant formula market is controlled by four manufacturers: Perrigo, Mead Johnson Nutrition, and Nestle USA. Before the recall, Abbott held a 40% market share and its Michigan plant accounted for 40% of the U.S. formula production.
During sworn testimony before a House subcommittee on Wednesday about the baby formula shortage, Robert Califf, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, gave a scathing assessment of the “egregiously unsanitary” conditions at Abbott’s Michigan baby formula plant.
Califf reported bacteria growing at multiple locations in the facility, cracks and leaks in key equipment as well as standing water, standing water, and a prior citation for insufficient handwashing.
Califf stated that the inspection results were “frankly shocking” to House lawmakers who are part of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee. Califf said, “This is so different from my prior experience with the company that it makes me very worried.”
After five different Cronobacter strains were discovered at the facility, Abbott shut down its Sturgis, Michigan plant. In February, it recalled several baby formula products. Cronobacter can cause serious blood infections. Four infants who had consumed powdered formula from Abbott were admitted to the hospital with Cronobacter infections. Two of them died.
Califf stated that neither the FDA nor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could conclude that the illness was caused by unsanitary conditions at the plant. He said that the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could not rule it out. However, he called the coincidence of events “highly unlikely.” According to the FDA, none of the Cronobacter strains found at the Sturgis facility matched the clinical samples of the infants.
Some parents look at European Baby Formula brands as an alternative to feeding their children. Why would parents purchase European baby formula? A quick Google search for “organic baby formula” brings up a variety of European products that ship from the U.S. Many vendors, like Holle Formula, sell infant formulas that are organic and made from milk from grass-fed cows. This is a unique combination that is not available from any U.S. manufacturer.
Good nutrition is essential for babies to grow and thrive. Parents should consult their pediatrician if one formula is not working. While many babies will be able to tolerate one particular formula, there are plenty of other options available outside the U.S. for parents to help them find the right fit.
Although the FDA commissioner stated that the FDA and Biden administration’s actions should result in an increase in infant formula supply in the United States within the next few weeks, he didn’t give any more details. The FDA has relaxed import restrictions for formula imported from overseas, and the U.S. uses military aircraft to transport the product.
This is a war mentality. It is a crisis. In a crisis, families should take whatever action they deem appropriate to feed their infants.