Lena Gallagher, on Behalf of a Class v. Abbott Laboratories and Miles D. White

EASTERBROOK, Circuit Judge.

Year after year the Pood and Drug Administration inspected the Diagnostic Division of Abbott Laboratories, found deficiencies in manufacturing quality control, and issued warnings. The Division made efforts to do better, never to the fda’s satisfaction, but until 1999 the fda was willing to accept Abbott’s promises and remedial steps. On March 17, 1999, the. fda sent Abbott another letter demanding compliance with all regulatory requirements and threatening severe consequences. This could have been read as more saber rattling — Bloomberg News revealed the letter to…