DeLauro Statement on HHS Office of Inspector General Report on Handling of Abbott Powdered Infant Formula Recall

Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released a statement in response to the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) releasing its report on Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) handling of the Abbott powdered infant formula recall. In March 2022, DeLauro requested that the OIG investigate whether the FDA took prompt, appropriate, and effective action leading to the recall involving contaminated infant formula product by Abbott Nutrition.

“I want to applaud the OIG for thoroughly investigating FDA’s handling of the Abbott powdered infant formula recall. With this investigation, we can understand what went wrong and put policies in place that prevent a future shortage and ensure that the product we give to our babies meets the highest safety and nutritional standards.

“Based on the OIG’s report, the FDA did not move quickly enough to address very credible allegations of lax safety practices and cut corners at the Abbott plant in Sturgis, Michigan that spurred the infant formula shortage. It took the FDA 15 months following a whistleblower complaint to conduct an inspection of the Abbot facility in Sturgis. That is completely unacceptable.

“In the coming weeks, I will introduce comprehensive legislation based on the recommendations in this report to strengthen FDA’s regulatory authority so we can prevent a shortage like this from potentially happening again.”

The OIG’s report can be found here.