B.C. directs pharmacies to keep some types of baby formula behind counter

VICTORIA — The threat of a shortage of specialized infant formulas in British Columbia has prompted an order from the Ministry of Health to put the containers behind the counter.

The ministry says in a statement the guidelines to pharmacies will help preserve supply during the temporary Canada-wide shortage of hypoallergenic formulas.

The statement says manufacturers are distributing the specialized formulas for public purchase exclusively to pharmacies until more product is available.

There’s no shortage of regular infant formulas in B.C., but food for babies with allergies and certain medical conditions is in short supply.

The statement says families will generally be limited to a 10-day to two-week supply unless they’re in remote communities or have other access issues.

The voluntary recall and temporary closure of the Abbott’s formula plant in Michigan created the shortage. The facility closed in February and reopened on June 4, but severe weather has just forced another closure.

The provincial statement says formulas will gradually become more available.

“Health Canada has also allowed certain infant formulas from other countries to be sold in Canada during the shortage. These formulas meet the same safety standards as Canadian products,” the statement said. The rules will be in place until the supply stabilizes. The Michigan factory closed after the Food and Drug Administration began investigating four bacterial infections among infants who consumed powdered formula from the plant. Two of the babies died.

FDA inspectors eventually uncovered a host of violations at the plant, including bacterial contamination, a leaky roof and lax safety protocols.