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DeLauro Statement on Department of Justice Criminal Investigation of Abbott

January 21, 2023

Recall of unsafe formula from an Abbott plant, manufacturer of Similac, led to infant formula shortage

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released a statement in response to reports that the Department of Justice had launched a criminal investigation into conduct at the Abbott Laboratories infant formula plant in Sturgis, MI.

“Since Abbott’s February 2022 recall of contaminated infant formula, we have seen credible reports that the plant in Sturgis, MI, cut corners, falsified records, and instituted shoddy safety practices that generated an infant formula shortage. These credible reports were highlighted in the whistleblower report I made public at an Appropriations hearing in April 2022. What is worse is this contaminated product was fed to our most vulnerable, infants, and led to several babies getting sick, and in some cases, dying. That is shameful, and since the beginning, I have demanded accountability.

“The numerous illnesses, reported deaths, and the shortage could have been prevented if Abbott did not drag its feet to investigate credible allegations of substandard food safety practices at the Sturgis plant. And yet, Abbott quickly went into litigation mode by diverting blame, and not taking accountability. This is a company that has had over 40 lawsuit dockets that include food safety allegations related to Abbott food products filed against Abbott Laboratories before the recall in February 2022. In my view, they have a documented history of shamefully putting production and profits over safety and people.

“I reserve judgement for now, but I am pleased the Department of Justice will thoroughly investigate this matter. I encourage Abbott to fully cooperate with the government’s investigation so we can get to the bottom of what went wrong and hold those responsible for this crisis accountable. This investigation is critical, and must be allowed to play out without interference.”