Why is there a shortage of baby formula?

Washington – Deficiency of infant formula in the United States forces parents to share, sell and offer each other leftovers, while President Joe Biden plans to talk to manufacturers and retailers on Thursday about the plight of families.

The problem is the result of supply chain failures and safety recalls, and has had a cascade of consequences: retailers are restricting what customers can buy, and doctors and health professionals are urging parents to turn to food banks or doctors’ offices, in addition to warnings against reducing the formula. to stretch stocks or use online DIY recipes.

The shortage is especially felt by low-income families after the withdrawal of Abbott formula makers due to infection problems. This recall has destroyed many brands covered by WIC, a federal program such as food stamps that cater to mothers, babies and children, although the program now allows brand substitutes.

Jennifer Kersey, 36, of Cheshire, Connecticut, said she finished her last jar of mix for her 7-month-old son Blake Kersey Jr. before anyone saw her post on Facebook and came up with several sample cans.

“At first I started to panic,” she said. “But I believe in the Lord, so I said, ‘God, I know you’re going to provide for me, and I just started talking to people,’ Hey, do you have that formula? ‘

She said she and other members of the group help each other, find stores that may have the mixture, and deliver the formula to mothers who need it.

“If someone offers me and says, ‘I have these three,’ I’ll say, ‘I’ll take a purple jar, and then put others on this site.’ I’m not going to stock up on things. I make sure it is in everyone. “

In Washington, White House Assistant Spokesman Kevin Munoz said on Twitter that the administration would also announce “additional action” to address the formula shortcoming.

The shortage of basic commodities has been a problem since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020. Access to medical supplies, computer chips, household appliances, cars and other goods has been affected by closed factories and virus outbreaks, as well as thunderstorms and other climate-related events.

Security revocation exacerbates problems with baby formula.

The Food and Drug Administration warned consumers on Feb. 17 to avoid some baby powder mixes from Sturgis, Michigan.an institution led by Abbott Nutrition, which then initiated a voluntary recall. According to results published in March by federal safety inspectors, Abbott did not maintain sanitary conditions and procedures at the plant.

On Tuesday, The FDA has said it is working with U.S. manufacturers to increase their production and streamline paperwork to allow more imports. The agency noted that supply chain problems related to the pandemic were part of the problem and that consumers bought more infant formula in April than a month before the recall.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said this week that the FDA “is working around the clock to eliminate any possible shortcomings.”