Abbott Laboratories under DOJ investigation over baby formula
![Sign in front of an Abbott Laboratories office.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FE4DCreU8FWiZpUFUWipLm-415-80.jpg)
Healthcare company Abbott Laboratories is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice over issues at its Michigan baby formula plant that led to lingering nationwide shortages throughout 2022, the company confirmed Friday.
The Wall Street Journal broke the news of the investigation, and the probe into the company was confirmed later that day by an Abbott spokesperson.
"DOJ has informed us of its investigation and we're cooperating fully," the spokesperson said. The specifics of the investigation remain unclear, though people familiar with the matter told the Journal that the DOJ's consumer-protection branch was helming the probe.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The investigation comes almost one year after Abbott shut down its infant formula manufacturing plant in Sturgis, Michigan, after four babies became sick with bacterial infections after consuming the products.
Two of these babies would eventually die from the infections.
The shutdown ultimately triggered a massive recall, and it was alleged by company whistleblowers that Abbott had covered up food safety violations from the FDA prior to the plant's shuttering.
Politico reported that the Sturgis plant produced one-fifth of the nation's supply of baby formula. Its closure led to crippling shortages in the industry that became problematic for President Biden as his administration tackled rising inflation and supply chain crises throughout 2022.
The plant was reopened over the summer following an agreement between Abbott and the FDA, though it took another eight to ten weeks for formula to start hitting the shelves again.
The DOJ has not commented on the investigation. However, the announcement of the probe comes just a few weeks after Abbott reached a deal with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) to build a $536 million plant for manufacturing metabolic formula.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
Ukraine's Olympians: going for gold in the line of fire
Under the Radar Hundreds of the country's athletes have died in battle, while those who remain deal with the psychological toll of war and prospect of Russian competitors
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Democrats now have a chance to present a vigorous, compelling case'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What has Kamala Harris done as vice president?
In Depth It's not uncommon for the second-in-command to struggle to prove themselves in a role largely defined by behind-the-scenes work
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Brexit, Matt Hancock and black swans: five takeaways from Covid inquiry report
The Explainer UK was 'unprepared' for pandemic and government 'failed' citizens with flawed response, says damning report
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Roll-out of affordable malaria vaccine begins
Speed Read R21 is approved for babies and may save hundreds of thousands of lives
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
What is sickle cell anaemia?
The Explainer The UK has approved the use of a new drug to treat a disease that predominantly affects people of colour
By Keumars Afifi-Sabet, The Week UK Published
-
The US is at risk for dengue fever
The explainer The buzz surrounding the mosquito-borne illness
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Surgeon general calls gun violence a health crisis
Speed Read U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a first-of-its-kind advisory
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Infant deaths jumped in Texas after abortion ban
Speed Read Babies born in states with more abortion restrictions may be likelier to die within a year
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
India's toxic alcohol problem
Under the Radar Bootleggers add lethal methanol to illegal liquor to cheaply increase potency, leading to widespread casualties
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Should masks be here to stay?
Talking Points New York Governor Kathy Hochul proposed a mask ban. Here's why she wants one — and why it may not make sense.
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published