What Caused the Baby Formula Shortage?
The baby formula shortage has become a full-blown national crisis since April 2022. After the deaths of at least two infants from a rare infection, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated Abbott, the major baby formula manufacturer. Their investigation led to the discovery of traces of a pathogen called Cronobacter sakazakii in a Michigan plant. The result was a recall of several brands of formula.
While product recalls are not uncommon, the hysteria surrounding the infant formula recall can be traced back to the habits that began at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Supply chains for various necessities have been affected by the pandemic and baby formula is no exception. During the spring of 2020, formula sales increased exponentially due to stockpiling. The demand lowered as families used up their stockpiles through 2021 and then rose dramatically in 2022.
Another factor leading to the baby formula shortage are the FDA regulations. The regulation of baby formula is incredibly strict and causes many European brands to be illegal to purchase in America due to labeling technicalities, even though there have been studies that show European formulas meet FDA standards and may even be better than American formulas due to the lack of certain sugars. The strict FDA standard inhibits American citizens from being able to import their formula, thus adding more strain to the shortage.
While the supply chain is slowly beginning to improve, families are still feeling the strain. Here are a few solutions if you are struggling to find formula for your infant:
- Call your pediatrician and ask if they have sample stock or have connections to any local organizations.
- If you can afford it, buy formula online at trustworthy locations like well-known distributors, grocers, and pharmacies. Stay away from auction sites or individually sold products.
- Check social media. Groups dedicated to infants and families may have information.
- DO NOT make your own formula. The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) all advise against this. The first year of life is very delicate as the organs are still developing, electrolyte and fluid imbalances are more likely when creating your own formula and can be harmful or even deadly to your baby.
- DO NOT dilute your baby’s formula. Adding water to make it last longer is not recommended because it could cause fluid imbalances and damage the kidneys.
- Consider breast milk or breastfeeding if possible. The AAP offers advice on how to begin breastfeeding if it was not introduced in the first six months. Donor breast milk is also an option, ask your pediatrician for breast milk donation centers.
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/baby-formula-shortage
https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/06/health/families-struggle-formula-shortage/index.html
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/05/baby-formula-shortage-abbott-recall/629828/
References:
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-data.page
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/new-york-city-new-york-covid-cases.html
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