More Similac to Hit Shelves Soon as Abbott Restarts Production

Months after the shutdown of Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis plant crippled formula production and ignited the formula shortage, the company announced this weekend that it would resume production of its popular Similac formula.

The baby formula giant began production of EleCare on July 1 and has now moved on to producing metabolic and hypoallergenic formulas like Similac. In the release Abbott estimates it will take about six weeks for the new batch of Similac to hit shelves.

“We know that the nationwide infant formula shortage has been difficult for the families we serve, and while restarting Similac production in Michigan is an important milestone, we won’t rest until this product is back on shelves,” said Robert B. Ford, chairman and chief executive officer at Abbott in a statement.

While parents wait for the new batch to roll out, Abbott points to the work they have done with their Ireland and Columbus partners to distribute needed formula to families. “In August, Abbott will supply the US with more than 8 million pounds of infant formula, which is above what we produced in August 2021. We have been able to make adjustments to our manufacturing network to support increased supply by air-shipping tens of millions of pounds from our FDA-registered plant in Ireland and making more Similac Ready-to-Feed liquid formula at our plant in Columbus, Ohio,” Abbott shared.

Learn more about the Abbott restart and how the US is getting more formula to parents in need here. Plus, check out these 16 Trusted Resources to Help You Find Formula During the Shortage. And if you’re hoping to give back during the crisis, you can find ways to help out here.