Abbott Labs under criminal investigation over baby formula shortage

The Justice Department is investigating Abbott Laboratories' baby formula plant in Michigan, which was at the center of a nationwide formula shortage that plagued millions of families, the Wall Street Journal reports.

In May, Abbott reached an agreement with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reopen the company’s manufacturing plant in Sturgis, Michigan to help ease a nationwide shortage of baby formula, after the facility was closed due to bacterial contamination.

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said Abbott, under the conditions of the agreement, would correct insanitary conditions that led to the contamination and plant closure.

"The DOJ has informed us of its investigation, and we’re cooperating fully," an Abbott spokesman told the Wall Street Journal.

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