America Has a Baby-Formula Problem-Again

"Three years ago, America was in the midst of an infant-formula crisis. Abbott, one of the world's biggest formula producers, had issued a nationwide recall after two children who consumed its products died of Cronobacter, a bacterial infection that can lead to complications such as meningitis. Because Abbott produced about 40 percent of the U.S. supply of infant formula, the recall contributed to a monthslong nationwide shortage stemming partially from pandemic-related supply-chain issues."

"Federal investigators suspected that the outbreak originated in an Abbott factory in Michigan. FDA inspectors found that the plant had a leaky roof, standing water, and colonies of bacteria. Abbott has denied that its plant was the source of illness, and its products were never definitively linked to the outbreak. Nevertheless, the incident led to congressional hearings, a consent decree for Abbott, and assurances from FDA officials that the agency would more closely police formula manufacturers so that a situation like this would never happen again."

"And yet, it has. Twenty-three infants have fallen ill in recent months from infant botulism after drinking powdered formula from ByHeart, a high-end brand whose stated goal is to "make the best formula on earth." Infant botulism can cause muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and, if untreated, death. One child was on a feeding tube for four weeks, according to Bill Marler, a food-safety attorney who filed a lawsuit last week on behalf of the child's family. Last Tuesday, ByHeart issued a nationwide recall for all of its products."

An infant-formula crisis began after Abbott issued a nationwide recall following two infant deaths from Cronobacter, contributing to a months-long national shortage because Abbott made about 40 percent of U.S. supply. FDA inspections found unsanitary conditions at an Abbott Michigan plant, including a leaky roof, standing water, and bacterial colonies, prompting a consent decree and promises of stricter oversight despite Abbott's denials. More recently, 23 infants developed botulism after consuming powdered formula from ByHeart, causing severe illness for some infants and prompting a nationwide recall and legal action.

Read at The Atlantic