The Justice Department has closed its investigation into Abbott Laboratories, a manufacturer of infant formula, linked to a 2021-22 Cronobacter infection outbreak.
The outbreak sickened four babies and killed two. All four were fed Abbott infant formula. Following the outbreak, Abbott recalled Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare formulas and closed manufacturing plants, creating a severe nationwide infant formula shortage. The company has since reopened its manufacturing facility.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an investigation into the circumstances after Cronobacter was discovered at an Abbott manufacturing plant in Sturgis, Michigan. Although the Cronobacter species found at the plant did not match the species in samples taken from sick infants, the Food and Drug Administration reported that this does not mean the relevant species were not present when the formula in question was produced.
that wall street journal and Reuters The Justice Department closed its investigation into Abbott after it was discovered he donated $500,000 to President Trump’s inaugural committee, the news service reported. The White House and Abbott did not respond to media requests for comment.
A Public Citizen analysis published in April 2025 listed Abbott among 58 companies facing federal investigation or enforcement for donating a total of $50 million to Trump’s inauguration, listing Abbott’s donation at $500,000.
Abbott’s relationship with the administration is said to go beyond donations. international business times. The company’s former CEO, Miles White, currently serves as President Trump’s Secretary of the Interior.
When the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation began, some prosecutors believed there was enough evidence to file criminal charges against Abbott. However, once the investigation was concluded, the DOJ decided to recover only the money the company made by selling its formula through federally funded nutrition programs. newspaper It has been reported.
