Abbott said it begins production of EleCare, a hypoallergenic amino acid-based product for babies that cannot tolerate other formulas as well as other specialized formulas. Abbott said the first batches of Elecare product are expected to be available to consumers around June 20.
Similac and other plant-made products will take longer to become available.
“We are also working hard to take the necessary steps to restart production of Similac and other formulas and we will do so as soon as we can,” the company said in a statement on Saturday. The Sturgis plant has been closed for months after an inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found the bacterium Cronobacter sakazakii, which can be deadly to babies, in several areas. Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formulas made at the plant were recalled, and the closure exacerbated the shortage caused by supply chain disruptions. Families in the United States have struggled to find formula for babies and people with specific nutritional needs.
In May, a federal judge signed an agreement between the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Abbott outlining the steps the company had to take to restart production.
“We understand the urgent need for the formula and our top priority is to put a safe, high-quality formula in the hands of American families,” Abbott said in a statement. “We will expand production as soon as we can while meeting all requirements. We are committed to safety and quality and will do our best to regain the trust that parents, caregivers and health care providers have placed in us. for 130 years. “
President Joe Biden has invoked the Defense Production Act to direct formula ingredient suppliers to prioritize delivery to formula makers. The administration also created Operation Fly Formula to import formula from abroad.