The closing of a major manufacturing plant has been one of the reasons why the US is facing a baby formula shortage right now. If you’re interested in learning more about this developing crisis, and what is being done to address it, keep reading below. There is more important information you should know about. 

Access To Baby Formula Act

The Senate has recently passed the Access To Baby Formula Act, which makes sure low-income families can still afford baby formula. The Federal Trade Commission has also opened an investigation into the causes of this shortage. 

The bill was cleared by the House of Representatives and signed by Biden as well. President Biden has also given the Pentagon permission to use commercial flights to import supplies from other countries. 

Defense Production Act

President Biden also invoked the Defense Production Act to make baby formula production the number one priority for all manufacturers. $28 million has also been allocated for emergency spending to help increase the total number of Food and Drug Administration inspectors. 

Part of the FDA’s responsibilities is to prevent unapproved baby formula from entering the country and also boost data collection for the industry as a whole. 

Why There’s A Shortage 

In September 2021, a baby in Minnesota was given formula manufactured in a Michigan factory and was diagnosed with Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacteria which can sometimes be fatal. 4 more infants were then given the same diagnosis. 

After an FDA inspection of the manufacturing site, a number of baby formula batches were recalled. Abbott, the name of the manufacturer, is the largest of only a few baby formula manufacturers in the country and produces 40% of the market’s supply. 

Baby Formula Hoarding

One of the biggest consequences of this baby formula recall by Abbott has been customer hoarding. Given the sudden spike in demand, many people have gone out and purchased huge amounts of baby formula for themselves. This has only increased the disappearance of available baby formula. 

Price inflation is another side effect of this growing crisis. Some places like Walgreens and CVS have also limited the amount customers can buy. People have been restricted to buying three formulas per visit. 

Swift Action Is Necessary

Because so many Americans rely on baby formula, this shortage demands quick action from the government. It will be interesting to see what other decisions the President and Congress make in the coming months to help solve the baby formula shortage. For now, online shopping for baby formula may be your best bet for getting your hands on baby formula.