FDA shutdown of Michigan manufacturer contributing to lowered supply.
Supply chain and delivery issues are a part of a nationwide shortage of infant and baby formula, causing parents to become concerned. For months, stores nationwide have been unable to stock enough baby formula. While manufacturers claim they are producing at full capacity and making as much formula as they can, there has not been enough to meet current demand.
Supply shortages began rising last July. Between November 2021 and early April 2022, the out-of-stock formula jumped to 31 percent. That rate increased another 9 percentage points in just three weeks of April. States like Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Missouri, and Tennessee say more than half of baby formula was completely sold out during the week ending April 24.
The shortage has been exacerbated by the Food and Drug Administration’s shutdown of an Abbott Nutrition facility in Sturgis, Michigan. Abbott is a major producer of baby formula.
In February, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalled three brands of powdered baby formulas made by the company due to potential bacterial infections, including Salmonella. The agency advised parents not to buy or use certain batches of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas, all Abbott brands. Abbott said it is working closely with the FDA to resume operations in its Michigan plant.
Pediatricians and parents are concerned that another American public health crisis could arise if the shortage continues.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for parents and pediatricians as they navigate the baby formula shortage and consider alternate options for sustenance.
- For health care professionals and family doctors to provide parents with viable nutrition alternative recommendations.
- For officials in the FDA and other government health agencies as they seek to protect the health of infants.
Sources: CNN, Fox News, Yahoo News
