Abbott controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
2022
Sturgis infant-formula contamination investigation and recall
The FDA investigated complaints involving infants who consumed powdered formula produced at Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Michigan, plant. FDA investigators reported Cronobacter sakazakii in environmental samples, adverse inspection observations and company records concerning environmental contamination and product destruction. Abbott voluntarily recalled selected Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered formulas. The plant shutdown contributed to a severe United States infant-formula shortage and generated congressional, legal and regulatory scrutiny.
2022
Infant-formula supply shortage and government scrutiny
Because Abbott was one of the largest United States infant-formula suppliers, the Sturgis recall and production suspension had effects beyond the recalled products. The episode intensified scrutiny of industry concentration, WIC supply arrangements, production resilience, regulatory oversight and the company's crisis communications.