by Kelsey Penrose
The nationwide baby formula shortage has hit home, with many local shelves emptied. Many grocers are limiting the number of purchases, and some even have baby formula under video surveillance.
Across the country, both specialized formula for babies with digestive issues, allergies or metabolic disorders as well as regular formula are experiencing expansive shortages due to a myriad of problems including supply chain issues and recalls.
The recalls happened in early 2022, in the midst of an already unstable formula market.
The Abbott Nutrition’s plant in Sturgis, Mich. was shut down and recalled three of the company’s brands of formula amid salmonella concerns in February. Four complaints were filed with the FDA and the CDC regarding salmonella illnesses in four infants, two of which died.
According to a statement released by Abbott, testing indicated that the strains that led to the illnesses did not come from their plants.
The FDA and CDC informed Abbott of the illnesses in February, and on Feb. 28 the company issued a recall notice on their Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formulas. Since that time, the plant has remained closed.
The recalls do not include liquid formula products.
As of May 12, the company stated they could reopen within the next two weeks so long as they receive FDA approval, which could see an increase of formula hitting the market – but not for about six to eight weeks.
In the beginning of May, the average out-of-stock rate for baby formula across the country was 43 percent, up from a stable 2-8 percent from the same time last year. In July 2021, percentages moved into the double digits, before jumping to 31 percent by early April.
In some areas, out-of-stock rates were over fifty percent: In April, Des Moines hit 50 percent, Minneapolis reported 55 percent, and San Antonio was the highest with a 56 percent out-of-stock rate.
“This issue has been compounded by supply chain challenges, product recalls and historic inflation,” said CEO of Datasembly Ben Reich. “The category started to see stocking challenges beginning in July 2021, and the situation has continued to worsen into 2022.
The FDA told Abbott that they would be allowed to release products to individuals in need of urgent, life-sustaining supplies of specialty and metabolic formulas on a case-by-case basis, depending on product availability and the severity of the individual’s need. Patients and caregivers seeking access to these products should contact Abbott directly to request that a product be made available to them by calling 1-800-881-0876.
To see which specialty and metabolic formulas may be released, click here.
Locally, there does not appear to be much help for caregivers looking for resources that could help them find other sources of formula.
According to Carson City Health and Human Services’ Jessica Rapp, CCHHS does not provide assistance regarding formula.
“CCHHS does not specifically offer help with baby formula to the general public,” said Rapp. “In the event families are not able to locate special formula we do suggest checking with other stores or switching to the standard formula.”
However, for those individuals who are WIC (Women, Infants and Children) eligible, Carson City’s Ron Wood Family Resource Center will be able to help as they have some formula availability for their clients.
To qualify for WIC, please contact the Ron Wood Family Resource Center at (775) 884-2269 and ask for the WIC team. To qualify for WIC, an individual must be under a certain income.
“They may be income eligible or if they get public benefits such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid etc.,” said Ron Wood Family Resource Center Executive Director Joyce Buckingham. “(WIC) is an easy way for them to qualify for free supplemental formula and foods.”
From the FDA:
- Parents and caregivers should never dilute infant formula and should not make or feed homemade infant formula to infants. Consumers should also avoid purchasing imported formula through online sales, as it has the potential to be counterfeit.
- If your regular formula is not available, contact your child’s healthcare provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices.
- If you get infant formula through WIC, do not throw the formula out. Instead, you should take it to the store for a refund and exchange or call the company at 1-800-986-8540 to help you. WIC recipients should be able to obtain a different brand of similar formula. Call your local WIC clinic for more guidance.
