My name is Arlene. I am a grandmother, mother and former schoolteacher from Austin, Texas.

Protecting kids from things that could harm them has, and will always be, a huge part of my life. So when I recently found out that my grandson, Henry, had been fed infant formula that our family did not realize was under recall, I was frustrated and upset. The Similac formula could have made him sick. How could this happen? How could we not know this formula was dangerous sooner? 

Politico reported a shocking story of at least five infants who were hospitalized and two more who died after consuming formula manufactured by Abbott Nutrition under the brand names Similac, Alimentum and EleCare– including multiple Similac bottles with the exact same serial number Henry had been fed! These products were eventually recalled months later, but we must demand answers about why it took the FDA and Abbott Nutrition so long to act.

According to CBS News*, the FDA had reported problems with cleanliness at the plant as early as last year and the reasons behind the sanitary issues are still unclear. Luckily for us, Henry didn’t become sick but it breaks my heart to think about the babies that did. 

Our children deserve better.

Sign my petition to demand the Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services conduct a transparent and thorough investigation into how these tragedies occurred and steps that will be taken for accountability.

*https://www.cbsnews.com/news/abbott-baby-formula-recall-fda-details/