April 04, 2025 · View in browser

“Persistent leaks” and “unaddressed contamination issues” are among the problems workers say they witnessed at one of the nation’s largest baby formula plants. “I can’t have this on my conscience,” one told ProPublica

Heather Vogell began reporting on the baby formula industry in the wake of the 2022 shortage, when supply-chain problems and the shutdown of a Michigan formula plant amid contamination concerns led to scarcity. Her reporting has touched on trade groups, international health agencies and families, and her stories include: 

• The U.S. Government Defended the Overseas Business Interests of Baby Formula Makers. Kids Paid the Price.

   

• Facing a National Shortage of Baby Formula, Trade Officials Opposed a Plan to Boost Imports

   

• I Got Mailers Promoting Toddler Milk for My Children. I Went on to Investigate International Formula Marketing.

If you’ve ever felt scammed by a mortgage company, auto lender, credit reporting agency or other financial institution, you might have turned to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for help. In recent years, millions of Americans have filed complaints with the agency. 

But now, those who have recently submitted complaints, who were part of larger cases or who fall victim to scams in the future may no longer be able to turn to the agency. That’s because the Trump administration is moving to dismantle the CFPB. A legal battle over the agency’s future is ongoing, and some consumers are already feeling the effects. 

ProPublica wants to understand the fallout that might come from gutting the federal government’s consumer watchdog, and we need your help.

Was this email forwarded to you from a friend? Subscribe.

This email was sent to [email protected].

ProPublica

155 Ave of the Americas, 13th Floor

New York, NY 10013