Formula None: what’s driving shortage?
WASHINGTON — Many parents are hunting for infant formula because of a combination of short- and long-term problems that has hit most of the biggest U.S. brands.
Millions of babies in the U.S. rely on formula, which is the only source of nutrition recommended for infants who aren’t exclusively breastfed. Here’s a closer look at what’s behind the problem:
WHY IS THERE A SHORTAGE?
Ongoing supply disruptions have combined with a recent safety recall to empty shelves.
The problems began last year as the COVID19 pandemic led to disruptions in labor, transportation and raw materials — economy-wide issues that didn’t spare the formula industry. Inventory was further squeezed by parents stockpiling during COVID-19 lockdowns.
In February, Abbott Nutrition recalled several major brands of powdered formula and shut down its Sturgis, Michigan, factory when federal officials began investigating four babies who suffered bacterial infections after consuming formula from the facility.
Abbott is one of only a handful of companies that produce the vast majority of the U.S. formula supply.
WHAT IS IN BABY FORMULA?
Most formulas contain protein from cow’s milk that’s been altered to be easier to digest and enhanced with extra nutrients needed for growth and development. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sets specific nutritional requirements, including minimum amounts of protein, fat, calcium and a number of vitamins.
Formula makers achieve those levels by adding various sugars, oils and minerals.
The formulas are designed to mimic breast milk, though studies have repeatedly proven better health for babies who are breastfed.
BREAST FEEDING
Health professionals recommend exclusively breastfeeding babies until they are six months old. But U.S. figures show only 1 in 4 are relying solely on breast milk at that age.
Mothers face a number of challenges to longterm breastfeeding, including returning to work and finding the time and equipment needed to pump breast milk. About 60% of mothers stop breastfeeding sooner than they had planned, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
State and federal laws have been enacted to encourage breastfeeding by requiring break time and accommodations for mothers.
WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO?
Talk with your pediatrician or call a local food bank to see if they can help locate some. Experts also recommend checking with smaller stores and pharmacies, which may still have supplies when larger stores run out.
Most regular baby formulas contain the same basic ingredients and nutrients, so parents shouldn’t hesitate to buy a different brand if they’re having trouble finding theirs.
Some infants require specialty formulas due to allergies, digestive problems and other medical conditions. Parents should talk to their doctor if they can’t find those products, which manufacturers usually distribute through pharmacies and clinics.
Health officials also warn against formula sold outside of conventional retailers (online) because they could be counterfeit.
WHY NOT MAKE-YOUR-OWN?
Many do-it-yourself recipes are made from cow’s milk and granular sugar that may be difficult for babies to digest. They also lack the specific vitamins and proteins found in breastmilk and FDA-approved formulas that are needed for basic nutrition.
“Particularly for small babies, many of these formulas and mixtures that are found online don’t contain even the most basic nutrient mixes that babies need to survive,” said Dr. Steven Abrams, a pediatrician at the University of Texas, Austin.
Abrams also said never dilute formula.
WHAT ARE RETAILERS DOING?
Several national chains have limited the number of containers customers can purchase in stores and online. For CVS and Walgreens, the limit is three per customer. Target limits purchases to four per person online.
Amazon said Thursday it is working to keep the products available on its website and monitoring third-party sellers for price-gouging.
WHEN WILL SUPPLIES IMPROVE?
Health regulators recently announced several steps designed to boost supply, including allowing faster importation of formula made overseas. Typically, 98% of baby formula consumed in the U.S. is made domestically, according to federal officials.
The FDA is working with Abbott to fix the violations that triggered the shutdown of its Michigan plant, which produces Similac, EleCare and several other leading formulas.
The Chicago-based company said, pending FDA approval, it could restart manufacturing at its plant within two weeks. After that it would take another six to eight weeks before new products hit store shelves.