(14), A month after President Joe Biden launched Operation Fly Formula and invoked the Defense Production Act to help solve the baby formula shortage, store shelves reportedly remain empty in many parts of the country. In this bill, the Democrats proposed a $28 million emergency spending bill to boost the FDAs resources, including hiring more staff. Abbott is also producing more liquid Similac and Alimentum, and has begun releasing metabolic formulas previously on hold at the FDAs request for those who need specific formulas. (51), Some parents who ordered the formulas directly from Europe had their orders seized at the border and destroyed by US customs agents. As the federal agency continues to crackdown against these European formulas, many US parents hope that the FDA will try these options instead: (51), Amid the shortage, harmful DIY baby formula recipes have gone viral as desperate parents seek alternatives. Your questions about the baby formula shortage, answered, Why do-it-yourself isnt a fix for the baby formula shortage, The baby formula shortage should be major news. (31), She also shared that some parents watered down their formula to stretch their supply. The Washington Post reported that formula stockpiles were 43% lower than usual last weekup from the 30% to 40% range last month. Key problems remain. "They prioritized Nestl Health Science Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior products because they serve a critical medical purpose as they are for children with cows milk protein allergies.". (36), To speed up the process, the FDA is also trying to update its review process for more foreign manufacturers to ship their formula products to the US. For many of these hospitalized kids, finding the right formula is a long, complicated process. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice and European users agree to the data transfer policy. (66). Theyre restarting EleCare production and will soon produce specialty and metabolic formulas. (36), They have also worked round the clock and increased production to help meet the demand. If you have any questions about your CA WIC benefits, text 91997 to talk to a WIC counselor. (47), The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) warns parents against paying hefty prices for baby formulas through fraudulent online stores because scammers are taking advantage of the situation. Another major development is that Abbott will be reopening its factory in Michigan. It happened after the recall of Similac, Elecare, and Alimentum products back in February 2022. "We believe there is a long-term role for global manufacturers like Bubs Australia to offer American families clean, safe products that meet the nutrient requirements of the U.S. enfamil neuro (4), Wet nursing (a breastfeeding mom nursing another moms baby) was the most common way of feeding a baby before formulas were invented. (63), Manufacturers said theyre increasing production. The Atlantic has also pointed out that U.S. trade policies are contributing to the shortage. Abbott Nutrition hasnt issued the total number of recalled cans and packages of these formulas, but the recall affected the market supply. Although drinking cow's milk in this shortage should not become routine for an infant of any age, Dr. Swanson says it is a better option than diluting formula or making homemade formula. The company has already informed the FDA about this new setback, adding that production is likely going to be delayed for a few more weeks. Thats down from 79 percent in early May, when the shortage became a major story. (47), Two years before the February 2022 recall, Abbotts net profits nearly doubled from $3.6 billion to $7.1 billion, based on Securities and Exchange Commission records. This shipment came from the United Kingdom. enfamil (60). [Learn More](https://www.phfewic.org/newsroom/wic-appointment-options/). Republican senators have questioned the FDAs lack of accountability for the shortage and its possible lapses that may have led to the deaths of the two babies linked to the recalled Abbott products. (37), Enfamil production increased to 30% to meet the increased demands, the company added. Would you vote for Trump again? (36), The first batch of specialty infant formulas amounting to 78,000 lbs arrived in the US through the Operation Fly Formula. (34). "Even with everyone working 24/7 together to help increase infant formula supply in the U.S., it is difficult say exactly when the shortage will end," Dr. Altmann shares. (47). Copyright 2022 Deseret News Publishing Company. What Pete Buttigieg says about canceled flights, travel delays and airline staffing, Utahs housing market is stabilizing. What that means and why high prices are our new normal, July was the best month for the stock market since November 2020. (47), American Economic Liberties Project senior fellow Moe Tkacik accused Abbott and similar companies of using their products as personal ATMs. She added that the buybacks were illegal until 1982 because they were considered a form of manipulation. Following these recent efforts, manufacturers have increased production by about 30% to 50%, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (15), Store shelves reportedly remain empty or only half-filled with mostly regular formulas. (39), Rep. Elise Stefanik, the Republican Conference Chair, blamed Americas baby formula crisis on Bidens failed leadership. (39), As many as 192 Republican lawmakers voted against the Democrats emergency bill, saying that throwing millions of dollars at the problem wont fix it. (39), The Houses budget measure is expected to meet stronger resistance in the Senate. However, formula dilution can lead to possible organ failure or brain swelling. But babies consuming this milk might be more likely to have iron deficiency and require iron supplementation. (5), Evaporated milk was also used as a homemade formula in the 1920s. (29), Danone SA, the makers of Aptamil, increased their baby formula shipments to the US in 2022 to help with the shortage. Hindsight is 20/20. Chains like CVS Health Corp. and Walmart Inc. blamed the manufacturers for having supply issues. If your formula is affected by a recall, you can try other options from the same manufacturer or other. (62). The FDA and White House finally acted in May to speed up foreign formula imports. (34), Also, Reckitt facilities can operate at their maximum capacity following these priority shipments. (22), These shipments will include 686,350 cans which can be used to prepare around 16.5 million 8 fl oz bottles of formula. The main products included in the February 2022 recall (Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powder formulas) wont be included in the release. (2), Its not advisable. This will make it easier for popular European brands like Hipp, Holle, and Kendamil to obtain permission to sell in the US. The ongoing baby formula shortage, caused by a combination of recalls and supply chain issues, has intensified in recent weeks. 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White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) is trying to make sure infant formula is available to consumers. If you are expecting your baby and considering your feeding options, know that CA WIC has many resources available to help you reach your goal, including one-on-one support from certified lactation educators, breastfeeding support groups, infant feeding helpline, virtual group classes, free lactation consultation appointments, and an electronic breast pump loan program.