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Members of Massachusetts’ congressional delegation pressed baby formula manufacturer Abbott Laboratories Tuesday for a timeline on when the company plans to replenish a formula brand that roughly 22,000 infants in the state rely on through a federal program.

In mid-February, the manufacturer began recalling powdered infant formula produced at one of its facilities in Sturgis, Michigan after regulators received complaints of bacterial contamination. The plant’s shutdown, combined with pandemic pressures, led to a nationwide baby formula shortage, sending parents scrambling to find products for their infant children.

In a letter to Abbott Laboratories Chairman Robert Ford, all 11 members of the state’s federal delegation asked for answers to a series of questions, including the timeline for fixing contamination issues at the Michigan plant, how long it will take to restart production once the facility reopens, and steps the company is taking to mitigate shortages.

Abbott’s Similac baby formula is the exclusive brand for Massachusetts residents who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides federal grants to states for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women.

“Abbott’s recall of its Similac baby formula has only exacerbated an already dire situation,” the delegation wrote. “This shortage has fallen especially hard on Massachusetts, in particular families who rely on the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program to purchase Similac baby formula.”

U.S. officials announced a deal with Abbott Monday that paves the way to restart production at the Michigan facility, the largest in the U.S. but it’s not yet clear how soon the site will be up and running.

Massachusetts officials acknowledged the difficulty WIC participants are experiencing when trying to find Similac formula. On the program’s webpage, the state says it is “working with manufacturers and stores to monitor the situation.”

The state says families should be able to locate 12.4-ounce cans of Similac Advance powder at WIC-authorized retailers. Families with benefits for 12.5-ounce cans of Similac Sensitive powder may encounter difficulties finding the product at WIC-authorized retailers, the state said.

“Comparable formula alternatives are available to be issued temporarily by your local program,” officials said. “You will need to contact your local WIC office to change your prescription.”

WIC formulas on the Massachusetts WIC list manufactured at Abbott’s Michigan plant and affected by the recall include 12.6-ounce Similac Total Comfort powder, 12.5-ounce Similac for Spit-Up powder, all EleCare powder Infant and Jr, all Alimentum powder, and Similac PM 60/40 powder, according to the state.

Similac Sensitive powder and Similac Advance powder were “partially affected” by the February recall, according to the state.

The delegation said communities like Lawrence -- where 89 percent of babies born are eligible for WIC -- are feeling the brunt of the shortage because stores only stock Similac.

“Families are rationing food for babies and many are being forced to drive for hours in hopes of finding what they need,” the delegation’s letter said. “The health of thousands of infants is depending on Abbott to rapidly address the serious issues at its plant in Sturgis, Michigan.”

Associated Press material was used in this report.

Link to article HERE.