Agreement reached to resume formula production

Infant formula maker Abbott said Monday it has reached an agreement with U.S. health officials to restart production at its largest domestic factory in Sturgis, a key step toward easing a nationwide shortage tied to the plant’s shutdown earlier this year.

Abbott did not immediately detail terms of the agreement reached with the Food and Drug Administration, which has been investigating safety problems at the Sturgis facility since March.

After production resumes, Abbott has said it will take at least eight weeks to begin shipping new product to stores.

The decree requires Abbott to take specific measures designed to increase safety and ensure compliance with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the FDA Good Manufacturing Practice Requirements.