What’s Behind America’s Baby Formula Shortage?

By

May 20, 2022

Categories

Video

Share

(NEW YORK) — U.S. stores are running low on baby formula. It has left parents of newborns scrambling to buy food for their children.

“It was scary when we first heard about it,” an expecting parent, Axelle, said next to an empty aisle normally stocked with baby formula. “We found a place near us so we got a couple of cans as like a safety net, so we’re just covering our bases.”

More than 40% of stores nationwide are reporting they are out of stock of all baby formula. That rate is even higher in some southern states. It’s forced some parents to drive to extensive lengths to find food for their children.

The shortage was preempted by a recall at the Sturgis, Michigan Abbott manufacturing facility. The FDA has been in correspondence with Abbott to tighten security protocols and restart production. Just yesterday, the company and the FDA announced a plan to reopen the facility in hopes to ease the shortage.

The FDA is also publicly encouraging the importation of safe infant formula.

“The FDA is leaving no stone unturned to further increase the availability of infant formula,” FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf said. “We are doing everything in our power as part of the all-of-government efforts to ensure there’s adequate product available wherever and whenever parents and caregivers need it.”

Related Posts

May 8, 2023

Here’s Why Minnesota Schools Get Free Meals

Minnesota became the fourth state to sign the Universal School Meals bill into law on March 17. The bill will provide children with free school meals regardless of financial limitations placed by a federal program.

California Assemblymember Evan Low sits in office at State Capitol.

May 8, 2023

The Fight for Marriage Equality Continues in California

Gay marriage is legal in California but the state constitution still says marriage should only be between a man and woman. Two lawmakers hope to change that with a new amendment.

Verified by MonsterInsights