Similac maker Abbott could face criminal penalties of up to $500,000 per offense in DOJ probe of factory conditions amid the baby formula shortage

• Similac maker Abbott is under federal criminal investigation for its role in the baby formula shortage.
• The possible charges carry penalties of up to $500,000 for corporations and up to a year of prison time for individuals.
• "It's a layup for a misdemeanor charge against Abbott," a food-safety attorney told Crain's Chicago.

The US Department of Justice is investigating Abbott Laboratories, the maker of Similac baby formula, over its conduct that resulted in a plant shutdown and nationwide shortages last year.