U.S. Justice Department Closes Criminal Probe into Abbott Laboratories Baby Formula Plant
The U.S. Justice Department has closed its criminal investigation into Abbott Laboratories over a 2022 baby formula recall linked to bacterial contamination. Instead of charges, the DOJ will seek civil penalties. The 2022 recall and closure of Abbott's Michigan plant worsened a nationwide formula shortage. A DOJ spokeswoman said the department does not believe in 'regulation by prosecution'.
Criminal probe closure
▪The U.S. Justice Department closed a criminal probe into Abbott Laboratories regarding its baby formula plant linked to bacteria and infant deaths.
▪Some federal prosecutors believed they had enough evidence to criminally charge Abbott Laboratories before top DOJ decision-makers closed the probe.
2022 formula recall
▪Abbott Laboratories has stated there was no evidence linking its formulas to reported infant illnesses.
▪An Abbott spokesman stated that no unopened, distributed infant formulas tested positive for the bacteria that sickened the babies.
▪In 2022, Abbott Laboratories recalled its infant formula and closed its Michigan plant after investigators found traces of a potentially deadly bacteria.
National formula shortage
▪The national baby formula shortage had begun with pandemic supply chain issues before the Abbott recall.
▪The 2022 Abbott plant closure and formula recall worsened an existing national baby formula shortage.
Civil penalties decision
▪Instead of pursuing criminal charges, the DOJ opted for civil penalties against Abbott Laboratories.
▪Prosecutors had considered charging Abbott with violating the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and misleading the government before the case was dropped.
▪The civil penalties involve recovering money Abbott Laboratories earned from selling formula through federally funded nutrition programs.
DOJ prosecution rationale
▪The DOJ spokeswoman also stated that ensuring the safety of the nation's food supply is a 'top priority for the Trump administration'.
▪A Department of Justice spokeswoman stated the department does not believe in 'regulation by prosecution'.
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