Abbott says if the FDA were to re-open its Michigan facility to address baby formula shortage, it would still take months to get more on shelves

If the FDA approves reopening Abbott's Michigan facility, it could do so in two weeks, but it would take months to see baby formula on shelves.

The company recalled several lots of the formula brands in February after complaints that infants had contracted a bug. The babies used formula at the facility.

A nationwide infant formula shortage has been worsened by the recall.

According to The Washington Post, the FDA is still investigating the facility.

cronobacter sakazakii was found in a number of areas in the facility, and other safety protocols, such as employees wearing gloves, were not observed.

The plant remains closed as the company works to correct findings related to the processes, procedures and conditions that the FDA observed during its inspection of the facility, which raised concerns that powdered infant formula produced at this facility prior to the FDA's inspection carry.

The FDA said that all US-based formula manufacturers have increased production recently, and more products should be available on shelves soon.

Abbott said it has been shipping in products produced in Ireland to serve state Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) consumers.

The FDA plans to allow foreign manufacturers and suppliers to ship products to the US to ease the burden on parents.

—Dr. Robert M. Califf (@DrCaliff_FDA) May 13, 2022

The FDA is working closely with our federal government partners to bring as much infant formula to US shelves as quickly as possible. This is a priority for the FDA. Robert Califf, the FDA commissioner, said in a statement that their team will continue working around the clock to resolve the current supply challenges.