Top House Republicans demand FDA produces documents about infant formula shortage response

"The Committee is concerned that the FDA’s restructuring is a superficial attempt—rather than a real effort—to bring accountability and make meaningful changes," the Republicans wrote.

By Madeleine Hubbard

Published: March 21, 2023 3:06pm

Top House Republicans are asking the Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf for documents on the agency's response to the infant formula shortage.

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and Health Care and Financial Services Subcommittee Chairwoman Lisa McClain said in the letter Tuesday that "instead of removing or reassigning the individuals at fault for the poor response to this crisis" the agency responded to the crisis by restructuring its food and nutrition division.

"The committee is concerned that the FDA’s restructuring is a superficial attempt – rather than a real effort – to bring accountability and make meaningful changes," they also wrote.

The formula shortage began in 2021 following a belated recall over alleged contamination issues at Abbott Nutrition's Michigan baby formula factory.

Califf is being asked to provide all communications "between or among the FDA, [the Department of Health and Human Services], and White House staff referring or relating to the formula shortage."

The lawmakers also want all documents about the FDA's restructuring and decision to not terminate or reassign any employees over the formula shortage.

They gave a deadline of April 4.