A new E. coli O157:H7 outbreak has been added to the FDA's CORE Outbreak Investigation Table. At least 10 people are sick. We do not know the states where the ill persons live, their age range, illness onset dates, or if anyone has been hospitalized. Traceback has been initiated, but no recall has been issued, there has been no on-site inspection or sample collection, and no analysis of any product has started. This new E. coli O157:H7 outbreak is probably associated with an FDA-regulated food. This outbreak joins four other active outbreak investigations, and the investigation into the Cronobacter illnesses and Abbott Nutrition's powdered infant formula plant closure has been transferred to an IMG investigative unit. The hepatitis A outbreak linked to imported FreshKampo and HEB … [Read more...]
DeLauro Concerned About Abbott Nutrition Facility Reopening
Congresswoman Rose DeLauro (D-CT) is concerned about the Abbott Nutrition facility reopening after Cronobacter contamination was found in the plant. In a press release, she states, "Following credible reports that Abbott Nutrition had falsified records, cut corners, and instituted substandard safety practices, the Sturgis, Michigan, facility reopened to begin manufacturing infant formula once again. Given that there is no transparency on the reopening process to the public, irresponsible is the only word that comes to mind." In testimony to Congress in late May 2022, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said that inspectors had found "shocking" conditions in the plant and that it had "egregiously unsanitary" conditions. Califf added that an investigation could not conclude that those … [Read more...]
FDA Importing Specialized Medical Infant Formula to Increase Supply
The FDA is importing specialized medical infant formula to increase thee U.S. supply after the Abbott Nutrition plant in Sturgis, Michigan was closed when Cronobacter contamination was found. Cronobacter can cause serious and fatal infections in infants, especially those that are premature. The FDA says that millions of bottles of these formulas will be imported. FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. said in a statement, "We have made tremendous progress, including notable steps in just the past week, which will allow us to immediately begin bringing specialty and infant formula products into the U.S. as quickly as possible. We continue to work closely with our U.S. government partners and domestic and international manufacturers to identify additional formula product that will be … [Read more...]
FDA Updates Activities on Infant Formula Supply Challenges
The FDA has updated its activities on infant formula supply challenges. The agency is trying to increase the supply and availability of infant formula since the Abbott Nutrition plant in Sturgis, Michigan closed because the FDA found Cronobacter contamination in the environment. The agency warned parents not to use certain powdered infant formula products from that facility on February 17, 2022. A recall was issued by Abbott the same day. Cronobacter is a bacteria that can cause serious illness and death in infants, particularly premature babies and those with other medical conditions. A consent decree of permanent injunction was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan on May 16, 2022. Abbott has agreed to take corrective actions following the FDA … [Read more...]
FDA Closes Listeria and Norovirus Outbreak Investigations
The FDA closes Listeria and norovirus outbreak investigations on its CORE Outbreak Investigation Table, while the alleged cereal outbreak case count increased. There are now only three active food poisoning outbreak investigations being conducted by the FDA. The Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that closed has sickened at least 20 people. A vehicle was not identified, even though traceback was initiated, an on-site inspection was initiated, and samples were collected and analyzed. The outbreak status is still listed as "ongoing" because the most recent illness onset date was April 20, 2022. It can take up to 70 days for the symptoms of listeriosis to manifest. The CDC will continue to monitor for more illnesses. This investigation will be reopened if more new illnesses are reported … [Read more...]
Abbott Enters Consent Decree With FDA To Reopen Infant Formula Plant
Abbott enters consent decree with the FDA to reopen their Sturgis, Michigan powdered infant formula plant that was closed after Cronobacter was discovered in the environment. The FDA inspection was prompted by reports of infant illnesses and deaths. The United States filed the decree on behalf of the FDA. It would require Abbott Nutrition to take "specific measures designed to increase safety and ensure compliance wi the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act" and the FDAs Good Manufacturing Practice requirements. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement, "The actions we are announcing today will help to safely increase the supply of baby formula for families. The Justice Department will vigorously enforce the laws ensuring the safety of our food and other essential … [Read more...]
USDA Offers Tips to Keep Infants Safe While Formula Shortages Exist
The USDA offers tips to keep infants safe while powdered infant formula shortages are ongoing. The shortage is caused by pandemic supply chain issues and the closure of Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Michigan plant for environmental Cronobacter contamination. The contamination was discovered during an FDA inspection after reports of infant illnesses. Many parents depend on formula in the first year of a baby's life. Some mothers cannot breastfeed, and some infants require supplemental nutrition or specialty formulas because of medical issues. To keep infants safe, the USDA says parents should not make homemade infant formula. There are serious safety and health concerns related to homemade formula because they can be deficient in nutrients that babies need for health and growth. … [Read more...]
USDA Addresses Powdered Infant Formula Shortage
The USDA has announced that it is addressing the powdered infant formula shortage and is asking states to take advantage of flexibility in the WIC (Women Infants and Children) program. The shortage was caused by pandemic-related supply chain issues and by the closure of Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Michigan plant, where Cronobacter was found in environmental samples after complains of infant illnesses. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement, "We’re acutely aware that the ongoing recall has left many parents and caregivers concerned about access to formula and how they will feed their babies. Our team is committed to the health and safety of all Americans and is calling on states to act immediately to offer maximum flexibility, information, and support to WIC … [Read more...]
Minnesota Offers Powdered Infant Formula Substitution Choices
The Minnesota Department of Health is offering powdered infant formula substitutions for WIC parents since the recall of Abbott Nutrition's products has limited choices. Those Abbott Nutrition products, which include various types of Similac, EleCare, and Alimentum formulas, were recalled in February 2022 after the FDA received reports of infants being sickened with Cronobacter infections. WIC, or Women, Infants and Children, is a special supplemental nutrition program that provides federal grants to states to help low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women and infants and children up to the age of five. WIC is located in hospitals, county health departments, clinics, and schools. Since the massive recall, parents have reported having difficulty … [Read more...]
FDA CORE Outbreak Investigation Table Updated Again
The FDA CORE Outbreak Investigation Table has been updated again with more information about the incidents the agency is investigating. Three of the investigations have changed. The reports of adverse reactions possibly related to dry cereal have increased to 555 from 529 in the last update issued on May 4, 2022. On the website iwaspoisoned, there are more than 7,000 reports of illness since late 2021. An on-site inspection has been initiated, and samples have been collected and analysis on a product has begun. One of the two active Listeria monocytogenes outbreaks has also been updated; the number of illnesses has increased to 20 cases from 19. That investigation was launched on February 9, 2022; no source has been identified. For the investigation of "Cronobacter illnesses … [Read more...]
