Detroit Evening Report: May 25, 2022: FDA chief grilled over delay in baby formula plant inspection amid shortage

baby formula shortage sign

The baby formula plant at the center of a nationwide shortage says it’s on track to reopen its plant next month, which will eventually help replenish supplies of popular and specialty formulas. Photo credit: John Crowley/Flickr

Welcome to the Detroit Evening Report, a daily round-up of news that city residents need to know.

The head of the Food and Drug Administration faced a congressional grilling over a months-long delay in inspecting the baby formula plant at the center of a nationwide shortage. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf faced questions Wednesday from House lawmakers probing the formula shortage. Califf called the response “too slow” and “not optimal.” Lawmakers also heard from three formula executives, including Abbott Nutrition, which apologized for contamination issues at a factory that contributed to the shortage. The company says it’s on track to reopen its plant next month, which will eventually help replenish supplies of popular and specialty formulas.

Other headlines for May 25, 2022:

  • Ex-treasurer for a Detroit firefighters union sentenced to year in prison for embezzling
  • Detroit Historical Museum project to celebrate the inspiring stories of Detroit’s Black entrepreneurs
  • Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department hosting a youth poetry contest
  • City officials, community leaders celebrate makeover of 64 affordable housing units on east side

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Author

  • Tia Graham is a reporter and Weekend Edition Host for 101.9 WDET. She graduated from Michigan State University where she had the unique privilege of covering former President Barack Obama and his trip to Lansing in 2014.