Abbott Laboratories is under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for conduct that led to the closing of its Sturgis, Michigan, production facility last year and an ensuing nationwide baby formula shortage, according to The Wall Street Journal. The DOJ’s consumer-protection wing is conducting a criminal investigation into the company, although it also has civil authority, according to The WSJ. An Abbott spokesperson said they had been informed by the DOJ of the investigation and are fully cooperating. However, inspectors did find numerous issues at the facility, including standing water and damage to formula cans. The Biden administration’s FDA faced scrutiny for its response to the ensuing formula shortage, including for the fact that its top food safety official wasn’t informed about the whistleblower report until several months after it was filed.

Source: Wall Street Journal January 21, 2023 21:08 UTC