FDA announces plans to ease the shortage of baby formula

Baby formula is in short supply in many stores.

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Some relief could soon be in sight for parents who are struggling to find baby formula.

One of the largest formula manufacturers in the U.S., Abbott Nutrition, has reached an agreement with the government to reopen one of its closed factories and increase production.

Several babies became ill after drinking formula and Abbott shut down its facility in Michigan. They died of infections.

Abbott was accused of failing to comply with quality and safety regulations by the Justice Department. Abbott and the government have agreed to a settlement. It requires a third-party expert at the Michigan facility to help restart production.

Abbott said in a statement that production could restart within two weeks. It would take another six to eight weeks for formula from the plant to be available.

The FDA is planning to address the nationwide formula shortage. Robert Califf acknowledged the difficulties many parents are facing.

Califf said at the FDA briefing that many parents and caregivers are frustrated by their inability to access needed or desired infant formula and critical medical foods.

The FDA is easing some restrictions on which manufacturers can sell infant formula in the US.

Additional products can quickly hit U.S. stores, according to Califf.

Susan Mayne is the director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

She said that the FDA would help get that product into the US.

The FDA is allowing more flexibility when it comes to infant formula. The priority will be given to manufacturers that can demonstrate that their product is safe.

Frank Yiannas, the FDA's deputy commissioner for food policy and response, said they were focused on getting as much product as possible on store shelves.

We will not rest until the infant formula market gets back to normal.