Earlier this year a major manufacturing plant closed, which was one of the main reasons why the US is facing a baby formula shortage. If you’re interested in getting updates on this potential crisis, and what is being done to address it, this article is for you.
Easier Access To Baby Formula
The Senate has recently passed the Access To Baby Formula Act, ensuring 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 passed by the House of Representatives and signed by Biden as well. In addition, President Biden has given the Pentagon permission to use commercial flights to import supplies from other countries.
Executive Action
President Biden also invoked the Defense Production Act to make baby formula production the number one priority for manufacturers across the country. A total of $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.
Root Cause Of The 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 given the same diagnosis shortly after.
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 Hoarders
One of the more alarming consequences of the baby formula recall 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.
It Starts At The Top
Because so many Americans rely on baby formula, this shortage demands action from the government. Stay tuned to see what other decisions the President and Congress make in the coming months to help solve the baby formula shortage. It’s probably a good idea to do online shopping for baby formula in the meantime.
