Abbott says it has stopped production of its EleCare specialty formula following severe thunderstorms and heavy rains in southwestern Michigan earlier this week.

The company stopped production to assess damage caused by the storm and clean and re-sanitize the plant.

This will likely delay production and distribution of new product for a few weeks, the company says.

The Food and Drug Administration has been informed, and will conduct comprehensive testing in conjunction with an independent third party to ensure the plant is safe to resume production, the company says.

Abbott had restarted production at the Michigan factory that's tied to the ongoing baby formula shortage at the beginning of June.

The plant had been closed since February due to contamination, and that's led to nationwide supply problems for formulas needed to feed infants.

The reopening was not expected to have an immediate affect on availability. Abbott was expected to prioritize production of its specialty formulas for infants with severe food allergies and digestive problems.

The plant’s reopening was one of several actions expected to improve supplies, including federal deliveries of imported formula from overseas.