These products originated from Zurich, Switzerland, and were brought to Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Hindsight is 20/20. These specialty formulas were prioritized because they serve a critical medical purpose for babies with cows milk protein allergies. In various parts of the US, there have been reports of several babies and even older children hospitalized amid the formula shortage. The FDA and White House finally acted in May to speed up foreign formula imports. (66). Overview Searching for a milk formula for your little one, but unsure which one to pick? (51). Experts have advised parents to resist the urge to overstock on formula. However, all the babies were fed Abbott formula: (23), Aside from Cronobacter, some of the babies tested positive for Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and other pathogens. The Infant Nutrition Council of America blamed it on the supply chain shortages. Can I Give My Baby Evaporated Milk Instead Of Formula? A registered dietitian and NASM certified personal trainer, Stefani Sassos handles all nutrition and fitness related content, testing and evaluation for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Despite recent actions, the demand for formula is still exceeding supply, and people unable to find formula on shelves can look into the following resources, shared on HHS.gov. Heres what people are saying. (33), Susan Mayne, the FDAs food director, explained that they were unable to link the Abbott products with the babies cases because they only had sequences from the two babies. The White House announced Operation Fly Formulas tenth flight, which will bring around 1 million pounds of Gerber Good Start Gentle baby formula from Mexico. They could have stayed at home, but had to be hospitalized for nourishment. The Sturgis plant was the center of the massive Similac recall announced back in February, which also worsened the US formula shortage. Two Democrat-sponsored House bills were passed to address the formula shortage. Parents can also enter a products code number at similacrecall.com to check a specific formula.

Like other places in Michigan, the plant was hit by floods affecting the area.

These kids need to be carefully monitored after making changes to their formula to ensure they could tolerate it. Adding extra water will also diminish the nutritional value of the formula. (65), Abbott Nutrition Releases Some On-hold Formulas Amid Shortage, The main products included in the February 2022 recall (Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powder formulas), https://motherhoodcommunity.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, Similac Pro-Sensitive Vs. Similac Sensitive, Similac Pro-Sensitive Vs. Enfamil Gentlease, Best Materials For Toddler Girl Winter Boots, 4 Essential Oils For Sinus Infection Congestion, 4 Essential Oils For Earache & Ear Infections, 3 Scientifically-Proven Ways To Calm Down An Overactive Amygdala, Interview Series: Serenity Kids' Founders On Raising Healthy & Adventurous Eaters, Why Are Inclined Sleepers Dangerous? Another major development is that Abbott will be reopening its factory in Michigan. California WIC temporarily added more container sizes and brands to help you find formula for your baby during this shortage. So, even if they cant be linked to the infant deaths, they cant immediately help ease the formula shortage. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that they might be pressing charges and there might be a need for indictment when the US baby formula shortage is resolved. However, the company explained that it would take at least 6-8 weeks after production resumption before any of the newly produced infant formula products would be available for distribution. (15).

The ongoing baby formula shortage, caused by a combination of supply chain issues and recalls, has intensified in recent weeks. Theyre set to be delivered to Walmart, Albertsons Companies, and The Kroger Company. (28), Both children have short bowel syndrome and were using EleCare, a specialty formula made of amino acids (protein building blocks) because they couldnt absorb full-size proteins. These could be formulas that have been repackaged with a new expiration date or a completely different formula with unknown ingredients. More Kendamil formulas are expected to arrive on three more Operation Fly Formula flights in the coming weeks. "I am thankful and excited that international brands are stepping up to help solve the formula shortage crisis in the U.S.," adding that the first shipment from Bubs Australia is set to depart Melbourne on June 9 and that other international manufacturers will also be sending shipments under Operation Fly Formula and domestic manufacturers are ramping up production. They call it Babies Need More Formula Now Act. It aims to obtain formulas from overseas sources. Due to flooding in different areas of the Abbott plant, the company needs to resanitize the plant and conduct comprehensive testing with an independent third party before they can get the FDAs approval to reopen. (19), Two shipments bringing 380,000 lbs of Bubs formula equivalent to approximately 4 million eight-ounce bottles arrived from Australia. However, most of these stocks were sent through a distribution pipeline that served home health companies, hospitals and clinics, and the WIC programs (Women, Infant, and Children). There has been a growing baby formula shortage over the past few months. At a minimum, Congress could make it easier for companies to compete for WIC contracts by passing the bipartisan WIC Healthy Beginnings Act. Parents can call Reckitts Customer Service line at 1-800-222-9123. A pediatric gastroenterologist at Le Bonheur Childrens Hospital in Memphis, Dr. Mark Corkins, admitted two patients (a toddler and a preschooler) because their specialty formula was out of stock. The American Academy of Pediatrics has said thatamid the shortage, parents should have no more than a 10-day to two-week supply. Following the Abbott investigation, there is no evidence linking the formulas to the infant illnesses, Abbott said in a statement sent to the Deseret News. (45), Still, because the FDA discovered bacteria in their plant, Ford said he wouldnt tolerate it because that meant they fell short of his personal and the publics high expectations of the company. Baby Formula Shortage 2022: Why Its Happening & What You Can Do. The importers currently supplying the baby formulas were given a temporary permit, but this might be extended to a permanent one. Thankfully, all have been discharged. (51), Still, parents pointed out that even if major European producers didnt comply with FDA regulations, theyre regulated by European regulatory authorities. (40). (7), Other milk alternatives to avoid unless you have your pediatricians approval: (7), Condensed milk has high sugar content but limited nutritional value. Some symptoms of hypocalcemia include irritability, muscle twitches, tremors, and seizures. Your questions about the baby formula shortage, answered, Why do-it-yourself isnt a fix for the baby formula shortage, The baby formula shortage should be major news. However, a viral post showed screen grabs of news reports about the Ukraine relief just days before the formula shortage report. (37). (41), However, the FDA head reportedly sidestepped these by saying that he couldnt share details of the agencys pending investigation. (37), Enfamil production increased to 30% to meet the increased demands, the company added. (40), The huge increase also includes a $76 million increase towards the food safety funding. Dr. Crouse encourages parents to ask their pediatrician before modifying or giving any kind of formula substitute to their babies. Its now up to Biden to sign it into law. The baby formula crisis isnt over. Its estimated to be equivalent to around 16 million 8-oz bottles. (21). So, they are surely safe for babies to consume. (34), This first batch can provide enough formula for about 9,000 babies and 18,000 toddlers for approximately one week, according to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice and European users agree to the data transfer policy. Recalled products are supposed to be discarded or returned to the manufacturer for proper disposal. While it might seem harmless, watered-down formula can lead to infant water intoxication. (31). *Important Information for CA WIC Vendors. Prior to the flooding, severe thunderstorms hit the state. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. "We believe there is a long-term role for global manufacturers like Bubs Australia to offer American families clean, safe products that meet the nutrient requirements of the U.S. The doctor didnt disclose the exact number of children hospitalized relating to the formula shortage, but theyve had several of these admissions. Do not dilute baby formula. Studies show that most of these products meet FDA-required nutrient levels, although some dont have iron levels that meet the FDAs minimum. But it could take several weeks, even some months, before the rising supply demands are met. (11), Possible health risks of donor breast milk, especially from unscreened donors: (9), Also, theres a high risk of contamination if the breastmilk isnt stored properly or past the expiration date: (12), The troubled Abbott plant in Sturgis, Michigan, which shut down just weeks after finally reopening following the recall, was able to reopen again last July 1, 2022. If theyre ready to eat solid foods, Sikkema also recommends giving your child iron-rich food. For additional guidance and resources, visit HHS.gov. (50), The FDA announced that it will streamline regulatory approvals for imported formulas. (13), As a way to stop a similar crisis from happening again, the FDA plans to extend formula importation beyond the initial target in mid-November. (18). Tips To Deal With The Shortage: What Can I Give My Baby If I Run Out Of Formula? (16), Last June 10, the FDA received a new report of another baby who died last January after reportedly consuming infant formula made by Abbott Nutrition. This shipment came from the United Kingdom. The company will prioritize EleCare and similar specialty formulas before resuming the production of Similac and other formulas. She added that if you cant really help but give your baby cows milk, then make sure its only for as short a time as possible. But long-standing problems exacerbated this shortage and must be fixed. (40), Wyden reportedly requested Abbott for more information about their stock buyback program. These were loaded on one C-17 cargo plane and flown to Indianapolis where a Nestle distribution center is just about a mile away. One grants the Department of Agriculture secretary the permanent power to issue waivers in supply disruption. (22), Once the FDA certifies that the plant is safe, Abbott plans to resume EleCare production, then begin production of Similac and other formula products. Once you find formula, switch back immediately. Although there is a shortage, finding infant formula for your baby is still possible. (34), Aside from encouraging increased production for the infant formula manufacturers, Biden also launched Operation Fly Formula., The president directed various government agencies to use military planes of the Department of Defense to pick up formulas that meet US standards overseas and fly these back to the country to help restock shelves. Many panicked parents scrambled to buy as many formula cans as they could. About 90% of these formulas were delivered to the US. (26), Bubs Australia assured Australian parents that it has enough stocks for everyone as it announced the plan to send at least 1.25 million cans of infant formula to the US. (47), When news of the product issues hit, the company increased its shareholders dividends by over 25% and offered a stock buyback program worth $5 billion. Bubs Australia plans to provide at least 4.6 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents of formula, and Kendamil has committed to ship 3.7 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents of formula to the U.S. beginning in June. In the middle of June, 44,000 lbs of Nestl Health Science Alfamino and Alfamino Junior (both are specialty infant formulas) equivalent to approximately 548,000 eight-ounce bottles arrived from Switzerland at the Louisville International Airport. So, disruptions in these companies supplies, including a massive recall, can greatly affect the formula supply in the market. frequent enfamil exp Cows milk contains too many minerals and proteins that your babys kidneys cant handle. Although drinking cow's milk in this shortage should not become routine for an infant of any age, Dr. Swanson says it is a better option than diluting formula or making homemade formula. (16), The first shipment from Mexico will arrive in Fort Worth, Texas, beginning on June 24. For many desperate parents, however, the European formulas can help with the formula shortage. However, the AAP reminds everyone to check with their pediatricians before switching to another formula even with the shortage. (56). (1). (19)(20), On Fathers Day, Vice President Kamala Harris greeted the shipment of 200,000 8-ounce bottles of Kendamil formulas at Dulles International Airport in Virginia. (29), The Biden administration plans to increase formula importation as a measure to help ease the ongoing shortage in the US. infant feeding helpline, virtual group classes, free lactation consultation appointments, and an electronic breast pump loan program. The metabolic nutrition formulas will be provided for free to patients. It puts them at risk for serious illness. (39). This can be very dangerous, especially to infants who drink specialty formulas due to allergies or intolerances. Provided you have the go-ahead from your pediatrician, your options can also include US-made options such as: You can also try some European brands such as: *Note that many European brands arent FDA approved, though still many parents opt for these products over commercial American options. (22), These shipments will include 686,350 cans which can be used to prepare around 16.5 million 8 fl oz bottles of formula. (3), According to a 1999 study, evaporated milk is still used in many parts of Canada. Importing Baby Formula From Other Countries, FDA Reportedly Continues To Seize European Baby Formula Amid Shortage, Dont meet FDA labeling requirements (including formula-preparation instructions in English, instructions on how to store the product, or specific labeling on iron content), Might need different temperature conditions for storage, Require less water per scoop than US formulas, Dont have a system to notify US consumers of recalls, Coordinate with European regulatory authorities on recalls, Provide English-language instructions (already offered by some European formula importers), Explain European health and safety standards, Harmful DIY Baby Formula Recipes Go Viral, Several YouTube and TikTok videos or posts were removed, including all the videos flagged by Bloomberg, Under their Harmful & Dangerous policies, YouTube removed content that promotes, sells, or provides instructions for making homemade baby formula (52), Twitter didnt consider these posts a breach of their misinformation policy; however, they told Bloomberg theyll review their practices over time. (52), Facebooks parent company Meta told Bloomberg theyre using external content reviewers to include warning labels on the posts containing baby formula misinformation (52), AAP Lowers Age Recommendation For Cows Milk, Viral Post Mistakenly Blames Formula Shortage On Ukraine Relief, Infant Formula Shortage Rate Goes Up To 43%, might be sold out in the US (as of March 2022), according to research firm Datasembly. Will the pause on student loan payment be extended? He added that these kids didnt have other illnesses. Parents across the nation are wondering when shelves will be stocked and this crisis will end. Heres Everything You Need To Know, Interview Series: Serenity Kids Founders On Raising Healthy & Adventurous Eaters, A Comprehensive Checklist & Guide To Babyproofing Your Entire Home, Non-Toxic Nursery Ideas: How To Create A Calming All-White Theme With Babyletto, Benefits of Choosing GREENGUARD Gold Certified Nursery Furniture & Recommended Brands, Baby Wipes Recall 2022: Affected Brands & Toxic Products, Interview Series: Serenity Kids Founders On Raising Healthy & Adventurous Eaters. The FDA recently approved infant formula from Bubs Australia, British formula company Kendamil and Nestle NAN SupremePro under the agencys recent increased flexibilities, which Dr. Swanson hopes will hopefully move timelines up. Infant Deaths & Other Reasons To Avoid These Products. So, it shouldnt be given as a milk substitute for young children. Wendy Sue Swanson, M.D., M.B.E., F.A.A.P. President Joe Biden launched Operation Fly Formula to facilitate the fast shipment of formulas from across the world to help solve the formula crisis. However, they suspended collecting formula donations when the US shortage began. The proposed budget increase is from $2.1 billion (last year) to $8.4 billion, which will be used for food safety and nutrition. There are requirements for certain nutrients in infant formulas that may not be present in homemade formulas for healthy infant growth and development. During the hearing, Califf announced that Abbott could restart production in a week or two, but pending safety upgrades and certifications. (57). (33), Abbott reportedly enjoyed profits as high as 94% between 2019 and 2021 even when bacteria were already detected in its products in the same period.

There are a few different initiatives in place that will hopefully help get formula available as quickly as possible. Infant Formula Act. (28), They relied on the amino acids from EleCare for nourishment because these didnt have to be digested. The second bill (emergency spending bill) was received with resistance from the Republican representatives but was still passed into law. The company has already informed the FDA about this new setback, adding that production is likely going to be delayed for a few more weeks. (43)(44), Some of the steps in the consent decree include the following: (43)(44), Abbott is also required to review and change these: (43), Under the courts consent decree, the company is also required to immediately stop production and quickly notify the FDA of any contamination detected.

(33), The chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Democrat Rep. Rosa DeLauro, explained that this additional budget will increase the FDAs staff so that there are more of them who can do the following: (33), However, the bill was met with resistance from Republican lawmakers such as Rep. Bill Huizenga who said that boosted formula production is necessary, not more FDA staff. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They hope that the FDA can find another approach instead of destroying precious formulas. Similac baby formula is displayed on the shelves. Thats down from 79 percent in early May, when the shortage became a major story. Supply chain issues, labor shortages and the recent formula recall are among some of the major reasons for the baby formula shortage happening in the U.S. right now. Kendal Nutricare, the UK manufacturer of Kendamil, announced that it will send products to fill around 100 trucks to help fill the need over the next six months. These products are those put on hold amid the recall. Dr. Hanna Jaworski, the division chief for Pediatrics at Spectrum Health, explained that although cows milk has risks (such as an increased likelihood of anemia), it can be a better option than watered-down formula. Thats how we ended up in a situation where one prominent Abbott formula factory shutdown led to mass shortages and babies being hospitalized. (22), From December 1, 2021, to March 3, 2022, a total of nine formula-related baby deaths were reported to the FDA, with two among the four confirmed Cronobacter sakazakii infections cited as the reason behind the Similac recall in February. This would give the government more control to direct industrial production, according to CNN. (10), However, the FDA advises against using donor breastmilk unless necessary. (62).

This is possible, thanks to the FDAs announcement that companies are given temporary flexibility to import baby formulas to address the shortage. (24). (37).

Abbott assures customers that all these products have been tested. (35), Nestle responded immediately by importing Alfamino from Switzerland and Gerber Good Start Extensive HA from the Netherlands. Why Is Condensed Milk Not Advisable To Infants? Here's what it cost me. The items comply with all the release requirements before product distribution. (47), Two years before the February 2022 recall, Abbotts net profits nearly doubled from $3.6 billion to $7.1 billion, based on Securities and Exchange Commission records. This makes importation difficult because the imported formulas should still meet the FDAs standards. (15), Military planes traveled across the world to bring millions of infant formula products to the US these past weeks. (28). (33). (51), Some parents who ordered the formulas directly from Europe had their orders seized at the border and destroyed by US customs agents. (22), In July, Danone will ship 750,000 cans of different formulas equivalent to 19 million 8-ounce bottles the companys manufacturing plant in Ireland. The groups believe that having one leader in this position can help unify and improve the FDAs food program.

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