Congressman Fred Upton paid a visit Wednesday to the Sturgis baby formula plant that has been shut down due to contamination concerns, leading to the nationwide shortage of baby formula. He told WSJM News ahead of his visit he was also taking part in a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing this week on the issue.
“When I talked to the FDA commissioner now a couple of weeks ago, he complained that they didn’t have the resources, not only to inspect but to make sure these facilities are safe, which was led to the closure of the facility in Sturgis and creating the shortage across the country,” Upton said. “We know that infants have been taken into hospitals around the country as well because of the lack of formula. We want to get this thing up and running, but the FDA has to assure us it’s safe.”
Upton says the FDA has made it clear it needs more resources to be able to ensure the plants are safe and that the Sturgis plant can reopen. He notes the House last week approved $28 million to help the FDA address the baby formula shortage. He’s hoping the Senate will also approve it. Upton notes the Sturgis plant, which is in his district.
