WASHINGTON D.C.: As part of its strategy to prevent bacterial infections, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it will review guidance and standards covering the manufacturing of infant formulas.

The regulator will also decide on the establishment of a dedicated group of investigators and re-assigning staff across two of its divisions to better support regulatory oversight of baby formulas.

The Food and Drug Administration's statement follows a major shortage of baby formula earlier this year, which was caused by a shutdown at Abbott's Michigan plant after reports of infection by the bacteria, cronobacter sakazakii.

The plant's shutdown and the recall of the company's infant formula products following reports of four cases and two deaths made a supply shortage worse.

Its plant re-started production in July.