ABBOTT PARK, ILL.  — Abbott Nutrition on June 4 began producing infant formula again at its Sturgis, Mich., facility, which should help alleviate the infant formula shortage.

Abbott Nutrition suspended operations at the facility because the US Food and Drug Administration on Feb. 17 warned consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum or EleCare produced at the facility. Four infants, including two who died, became ill after consuming powdered infant formula produced at the Sturgis facility.

Before reopening the Sturgis facility, Abbott Nutrition met initial requirements required by the FDA as part of a consent decree. Abbott initially started producing EleCare and other specialty and metabolic formulas. Consumers should be able to buy EleCare on or about June 20. Abbott also plans to start producing Similac and other formulas as soon as possible.

The FDA in the first week of June took other steps to increase infant formula supply. The agency will allow imports of 249,500 cans, or nearly 6.5 million 8-oz bottles, of Nestle Nan Supreme Pro 1 and Nestle Supreme Pro 2 produced by Nestle SA in Germany. The products should be available in the United States beginning in June.