On June 4th, that same Abbott plant reopened their plant, but just a little over a week later, had to shut down again due to catastrophic flooding in the facility, pushing back the timeline for when parents can start to see things get back to normal. You can switch to another infant formula brand, including store brands, if needed. But now a massive flood has shut down that same plant, sending hope of a sure domestic fix back into question. If you're a parent or caregiver and you see that these shelves are empty, if you find the formula that your kiddo needs, you're going to buy more. Production will focus on specialty formulas to start. It's hard to, you know, predict exactly when this will get better. Essentially, it gives a state monopoly to the winning bidder.
The FDA has not approved goats milk for babies. More than 40% of baby formula in the U.S. was out of stock at the beginning of May and the problem has continued, according to Datasembly, a retail tracking group. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. RASCOE: And so, I mean, you have all of these parents and caregivers who are struggling to feed their babies, what are you hearing from them? Remember that most families have multiple safe options for their infants even if their usual formula is not in stock. The United States also has trade agreements that make FDA-standard formulas hard to import into the United States. But it seems like that is not the case. Many families are having trouble finding their usual formula, and some have needed to visit multiple stores. The largest of these is Abbott, which makes up about 43 percent of formula sales in the U.S. and has sole Women, Infants, and Children Services (WIC) contracts in 49 states.
Do NOT buy formula from online auctions, unknown individuals, or unknown origins. I do think we'll end up with a more dynamic, competitive market if some of these flexibilities are allowed to stay. And a lot of parents that need - like, if your kid has a dairy sensitivity or they have any sort of special needs or need, like, a sensitive formula, those folks are still having a really hard time finding what they need.
Any time. But it's still going to take time. For your childs safety, its extremely important to talk to their pediatrician before trying any alternative to formula. When one of them had trouble, shortages emerged.. So volumes are up. Is there any kind of light at the end of the tunnel for parents out there who are struggling?
The Federal Trade Commission has launched a full-scale inquiry into WIC and is expected to reexamine its formula distribution program as well. WIC state agencies approve only one brand of American-made formula for families in that state to use, and that manufacturer provides the government with a rebate on all units purchased under the WIC program. BOTTEMILLER EVICH: Thanks for having me. America's strict formula import regulations and a nutritional program for low-income families may have contributed to the disaster. The baby formula shortage in the U.S. drags on with stores struggling to keep formula in stock, even with some efforts to replenish supply.
So USDA is looking at making WIC benefits available online - or be able to use online, similar to SNAP, a program that many people still know as food stamps.
Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Do not try to import formula yourself, because you can't be sure it meets U.S. safety standards. For more information, review the. Former President Donald Trumps North American trade agreement, the USMCA, discourages formula imports from Canada, making it hard to plug supply chain holes with otherwise approved foreign formulas. If your child uses a hypoallergenic or medical specialty infant formula, talk with your childs doctor about safe alternatives.
If you find a large supply of formula, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends only buying enough for 10-14 days at a time, so that other parents and caregivers can stock up as well. RASCOE: So what needs to happen to fix this crisis? NCDHHS is closely monitoring supply, working with the federal government, manufacturers, and retailers to get more formula on North Carolina shelves. So there is definitely a disproportionate impact on low-income families when it comes to in-store stocking. Effective June 6, 2022, NC WIC is making even more formula brands and types available to WIC families that can be purchased at the store when approved Gerber products are not readily available.
Homemade formula is not a safe option for babies. And I don't think we know yet how seriously they're going to push for reforms to try to make this system more resilient. Many reporters and some policy makers have suggested that theres a monopoly on baby formula. So what led to the baby formula crisis in the U.S. in the first place and how can the nation prevent another disaster?Watch the video to learn more. When the Abbott Sturgis plant was shut down, you lost 40% of production.. Recommendations for using imported formula: During the infant formula shortage, some parents and expectant parents have wanted to learn more about breastfeeding. And, you know, it's stressful if that's what you're looking for. All Rights Reserved. What you have here is an example of a bottleneck, said Dr. Steven Melnyk, a Professor of Supply Chain Management at Michigan State. In some cases, parents are driving, like, hundreds of miles to find, like, a specific type of formula. It would be a promising source: European producers have traditionally had a surplus of product, says Melnyk. NC Department of Health and Human Services Is that still the case? To diversify the supply chain, and break up the oligopolistic character of the domestic market, Biden should scrap the tariff on imports and replace it with a WIC bidding system with a flat subsidy per unit of infant formula for sales to all eligible manufacturers destined for low-income families, Hufbauer suggested as one potential solution.
This meant demand temporarily surged for a variety of products from toilet paper to canned goods to, yes, formula. And the rates - the in-stock retail rates are actually worse now than they were a month ago. Parents across the U.S. are still scrambling to find baby formula after a national product recall triggered empty store shelves, higher prices and retailers limiting sales of scarce products. More babies were born in 2022 after a pandemic birth lull and the demand for infant formula ballooned. However, if youre unsure about making a switch or your baby needs a very specialized formula, talk to their pediatrician. Is that still the case? Formula supply is an evolving situation. The necessity of the program cannot be understated. Manufacturers worked to create more product and were hit with a massive double whammy: a product recall and a facility closure. This will likely delay production and distribution of new product for a few weeks, Abbott stated. Its not clear how long the shortage is going to last, but steps are being taken to get more formula on the shelves. She's an investigative reporter and author of Food Fix, a newsletter about food policy. In the same way that regular formula is designed for babies specific needs, premature baby formula is specifically designed to help premature babies with catch-up growth. How airlines are dealing with rising air rage cases. per day). The USDA Just Got Sued By 20 GOP Attorneys General Over Its School Lunch Program, Air Pollution Levels Linked to Disease, IQ Decline In Kids. And after that conversation, I started seeing that, you know, it seemed like the government was stepping in and all this stuff was happening. In an emergency situation where you cant find any formula at all, you may be able to get a limited amount of breast milk from a milk bank. So on top of the high tariff, this cuts out foreign suppliers.. WIC is the largest purchaser of formula in the United States for moms who need the assistance about half of all babies born in the United States qualify for WIC and the way WIC contracts are structured has exacerbated the crisis.
It's actually about 60 million bottles worth - so about eight-ounce bottles.
The Food and Drug Administration has since eased regulations on imports from abroad and President Joe Biden invoked the Defense Production Act to increase baby formula manufacturing. If your baby is close to a year old, you may be able to feed them soy milk thats been fortified with protein, calcium and vitamin D. This should only be done for a maximum of one week. Other formula manufacturers were not in a position to increase production to meet demand and had, as the Atlantic pointed out, pulled back production in 2021 anyhow. So while that is happening, this shortage is going to continue as long as that's the case. "It's kind of like a perfect storm of so many terrible things happening and No. Imported formulas may be labeled as "Stage 1" (for the first six months after birth, but generally can be used throughout the first year), and "Stage 2" (just for babies who are over 6 months of age). "You get this sick feeling in the pit of your stomach because we had a can that had been recalled and it was empty, we had just finished it," said Amy Dolan, a mother of three in New Jersey. We want to hear from you. And it wasn't just a factory shutdown that led to the crisis. These handouts provide information and resources to support you: More information is available at these sites:WIC Breastfeeding ResourcesNC Making It Work ToolkitNorth Carolina Breastfeeding CoalitionCarolina Global Breastfeeding InstituteAmerican Academy of Pediatrics. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. About a month ago, the Senate passed a bill to finally allow people who use WIC vouchers to feed their babies to buy whatever formula is available and while that helps, it doesnt deal with low stock overall, nor does it deal with the underlying problem of rampant poverty and no social safety net for families in the United States. The differences between U.S. and European formulas make FDA approval a rats nest of red tape. Here are 7 things everyone needs to know about this crisis facts to face so that we can find a way out of the mess and arent doomed to repeat it. Supply dwindled. If no brands have the type of infant formula your baby uses, talk with your childs doctor about which type of infant formula would be right for your baby.
Still, the additional inventory is not expected to plug the hole in our supply chain. These changes will help families buy the formula that is available in stores throughout the shortage.
Two of those infants died.
The U.S. also charges a high tariff of 17% on all imported baby formulas. Families can follow updates and product information on the FDAs website. What's behind America's baby formula crisis? And if you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Some instructions will be in metric units. I mean, you're right that the Biden administration has taken a lot of steps. Abbott-owned formula plant in Sturgis, Michigan, 45% of babies born in the U.S. were eligible for WIC, WIC state agencies approve only one brand of American-made formula, Peterson Institute for International Economics, European formula doesnt meet that requirement, Former President Donald Trumps North American trade agreement, the USMCA, President Biden implemented Operation Fly Formula. We know that many North Carolina families and caregivers are worried about finding formula for their babies. So these are not normal times that we're living in right now.
If you buy infant formula online, only purchase from well-recognized distributors and pharmacies (not individual people or auction sites). Minnesota WIC approved substitutions list, Wisconsin WIC approved substitutions list, Mothers Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes. To find dispensaries, Minnesotans can use the Minnesota Milk Bank for Babies, and Wisconsinites can use the Mothers Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes.
The FDA, on the other hand, requires formula to be labeled for and nutritionally complete for newborns to 12-month-olds. The FDA is also working to increase formula production across the U.S. and import formula from other countries. On May 31, 2022, the North Carolina WIC Program began issuing benefits for more sizes of Gerber formula and two additional Gerber formula products. A Senate Committee grilled the FDA about delays in responding to the formula crisis when it was brewing; an investigation into the FDA by the Department of Health and Human Services is expected. They can give you guidance for meeting your babys specific needs. Here are some tips on how to safely feed your child if you are struggling to find infant formula. Due to supply chain issues and the recent recall of several infant formula products, infant formula shortages have been reported. Earlier this month, the third shipment of about 3.7 million 8 oz. An answer appeared to be on track after the Abbott formula plant linked to 9 infant deaths that shuttered in February restarted production 13 days ago after months of delay and investigation. Like diluted and homemade formula, plant milks dont meet babies nutritional needs. In May, the federal government finally stepped up, months after the crisis began to rear its head. Consequently, demand plummeted as parents worked through their stockpiles so formula manufacturers produced less in 2021. However, its generally safe to give to a full-term baby for a few weeks. Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. Were talking about baby formula here! Generally, they shouldnt be used for babies younger than six months, and you should switch back to baby formula as soon as its available. A baby's nutritional needs are very specific, and homemade formula may contain too little or too much of certain vitamins and minerals, like iron.
You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis. Contact your pediatrician if you are unsure if a formula has been properly imported. Both monopolies and oligopolies are heavily regulated, but it doesnt take an economic whiz to see how both pose dangerous risks, especially when used for essential goods like the only food most babies depend on for survival. Cows milk does not have the right amount of nutrients your baby needs, has too many proteins and minerals for your babys kidneys to handle, and in some cases, may lead to intestinal blood loss. BOTTEMILLER EVICH: Yeah. Raleigh, NC 27699-2000 Below are answers about the causes of the shortage, where to look for formula right now, what to do if you cant find any, and more, along with resources that can provide help and guidance for you and your little one during this time. bottles that have already landed in the U.S. as a result of federal action. Formula made for toddlers isnt recommended for babies, but it may be safe for a few days if your baby is close to a year old. Diluting formula lowers the amount of calories and nutrients that your baby gets from it, which can lead to very serious dietary imbalances. Got a confidential news tip? If you feed your baby with a combination of formula and breastfeeding, for example, our lactation experts can help make breastfeeding easier and give you recommendations for increasing your milk supply. The U.S. government and other partners are working toward ensuring infant formula is safe and available for families across the country.
The reason: Any food product brought into the U.S. for distribution must meet notoriously-strict FDA labeling requirements. And that's a lot, but it's just not enough to get us out of this shortage. RASCOE: One of the reasons behind the shortage was the shutdown of the Abbott Laboratories plant based in Michigan after it had this bacteria outbreak in February. The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record.
RASCOE: Can you tell me - I know in the past, low-income families, they've had some struggles to get formula. Parents and caregivers understandably panic bought again and depleted store inventory. According to those who have closely watched the infant formula industry, it has long been a ticking time bomb, all too ready to explode in the faces of American families. But could Europe make up for the shortage? BOTTEMILLER EVICH: It's hard to look forward. Lawmakers are really thinking about this and what might be done.
Milk banks prioritize getting milk to babies with medical needs first, but if youre approved, its a safe and healthy way to feed your infant. Because of this, its very hard to replace in a way thats still safe for a baby to consume. As a result of the high tariff and the WIC system, there was not much incentive for foreign producers to sell in the US market, and accordingly the US supply chain is limited to a few domestic producers, Hufbauer said. Do NOT water down your babys formula to stretch it out, it can be extremely dangerous to your baby to do so. BOTTEMILLER EVICH: That plant did reopen at the beginning of July, and it is now fully operational as far as we know. The United States is in the midst of a serious baby formula shortage. In 2018, nearly half 45% of babies born in the U.S. were eligible for WIC and 98% of those who were eligible participated in the program. Ayesha Rascoe speaks to food policy reporter Helena Bottemiller Evich about the latest on the baby formula shortage in the U.S. and when caregivers might get some relief. Fifty-eight percent of formula purchased in the U.S. is purchased using WIC benefits. Copyright 2022 NPR.
Then in February of 2022, several bacterial infections were linked to formula made by Abbott Nutrition, at one of the largest formula-producing plants in the U.S. RASCOE: We talked to you back in May about the baby food shortage. Body and Mind Resources for Teachers, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Four infants who consumed formula produced at the facility got sick with an infection. These instructions may be very different from what you are used to. And how do we make sure this never happens again? Experts, however, are not so surprised. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.
WIC provides healthy food, nutrition counseling, health education, health referrals, and vouchers to buy formula for families with kids from 0 to 13.
A monopoly is a condition of only one supplier and the market depends solely on that supplier. Joining us now is Helena Bottemiller Evich. I thought it restarted operations at the beginning of this month. And the thing to know is that we're actually selling more infant formula today by volume. BOTTEMILLER EVICH: Yeah.
By mid-April, baby formula inventory around the country had dwindled by around 40%. They're trying to take market share away from these bigger players. And this is the plant that makes a lot of Similac and other formula brands.
Federal representatives are looking into changing the way WIC sources formula, and what options WIC participants might have to buy other brands in times of crisis so that if another crisis occurs, parents have more options to get formula.
So that has eased somewhat, but the stress is still very much there. Most European formula doesnt meet that requirement.
But some signs of progress suggest the crisis could be easing. Additional Formula Options for WIC Participants: To support families during the infant formula shortage, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is making it easier for WIC participants to purchase more types of formula.
HELENA BOTTEMILLER EVICH: Thanks for having me. In the meantime, until the crisis is over, Operation Fly Formula is still in effect. The U.S. is entering the third month of a catastrophic baby formula shortage that has left shelves bare of essential food for infants and desperate parents scrambling to feed their hungry babies. Sometimes, that imperative runs up against reality. We have informed FDA and will conduct comprehensive testing in conjunction with the independent third party to ensure the plant is safe to resume production. Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse, Office Of Minority Health And Health Disparities, Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, Additional Formula Options for WIC Participants - Spanish, Chart Showing Formula Options for WIC Participants - Spanish, Additional Formula Options for WIC Participants Gerber products, Additional Formula Options for WIC Participants Gerber products(Spanish). Follow the mixing instructions on the product label.
Abbott, the nation's biggest infant formula maker, recalled several products earlier this year and halted production at its Michigan manufacturing plant for several months after bacteria was found at the site. And I think parents are going to keep buying more as long as they see shelves that are largely empty. However, it will take a number of weeks for the plant to reach full production, and for supplies to reach store shelves. President Biden implemented Operation Fly Formula to allow certain European formulas to be imported via Department of Defense cargo planes and bypass normal shipping routes and enacted the Defense Production Act to help formula manufacturers get the necessary ingredients despite supply chain disruptions. In most cases, its safe to substitute your babys usual formula for whatever formula is in stock. Accuracy and availability may vary. The Food and Drug Administration is also easing some regulations to support the import of additional brands and types of formulas from overseas. It's important to keep in mind that WIC, which is a program that serves primarily, you know, infants, pregnant women and young children, that actually serves about half of all infants in the U.S. And so those families right now are only able to use their benefits in-store, which means that when a store is mostly out of stock, that's a more stressful experience, you know, than if you were shopping online and maybe get to shop around and have it shipped to your house.
Parents have been without an essential product that keeps their babies alive for months. 2022 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Can The North Face compete with Patagonia?How airlines are dealing with rising air rage cases. Learn more about available resources and guidance on what families can do and what to avoid: Most families have multiple safe options for their infants even if their usual formula is not in stock. A lot of - more manufacturers are jumping in here.