DOJ launches inquiry into Abbott baby formula plant in Michigan

Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY
·1 min read
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FILE - An Abbott Laboratories manufacturing plant is shown in Sturgis, Mich., on Sept. 23, 2010. Severe weather has forced Abbott Nutrition to pause production at a Michigan baby formula factory that had just restarted. The company said late Wednesday, June 15, 2022 that production for its EleCare specialty formula has stopped, but it has enough supply to meet needs until more formula can be made. (Brandon Watson/Sturgis Journal via AP)

Abbott Laboratories confirmed Friday that the Justice Department had launched an investigation into operations related to its Michigan baby formula plant.

Justice has "informed us of its investigation and we’re cooperating fully," Abbott spokesman Scott Stoffel said.

Justice declined comment late Friday.

The inquiry involving Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Mich., plant was first disclosed by the Wall Street Journal, which reported that Justice's consumer-protection unit is engaged in a criminal investigation.

More: Abbott halts EleCare production at Michigan baby formula plant after severe storm, flooding

More: Abbott restarts Michigan baby formula plant linked to contamination

Last May, Abbott announced it had reached a deal with the Food and Drug Administration to re-start the Sturgis operation that shut down amid recalls, contributing to the baby formula shortage.

Justice consumer-protection branch, which was involved in last year's Abbott settlement, which has criminal as well as civil authority, was involved last year in a settlement with Abbott, is involved in the current inquiry, the newspaper reported.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DOJ launches inquiry related to Abbott baby formula plant in Michigan