During the year of 2022, the United States experienced a severe baby formula shortage. This shortage was largely caused by a global supply chain crisis. It was exacerbated by market concentration, import restrictions, and large-scale product recalls. It also affected poorer families disproportionately.
Grassley demands answers from Biden administration
Several members of the Iowa delegation have called for additional action to address the baby formula shortage. They say that it is a national crisis that has left millions of American families without the food their little ones need.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee plans to convene a panel to discuss baby formula shortages on May 25. Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican who is running for a eighth term in the Senate, wrote a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf asking him to take action to address the shortage. The FDA will soon take action to expedite baby formula imports from Mexico, Ireland, and Chile.
In his letter, Grassley asked the FDA to take steps to improve the supply of baby formula, and called on the FDA to increase production at its Michigan formula plant. However, the FDA has yet to reopen the plant, which was shuttered in February following a recall after two infants died of bacterial infections.
The FDA did not provide a time frame for the reopening of the plant, but said that it was “working around the clock to find a solution” for the shortage. Meanwhile, several states have had supply shortages that are higher than 50%.
In addition, several manufacturers have said that their current supply is not enough to meet the demand of parents. One manufacturer, Nestle, said that it will ship its baby formula from Germany to Texas this weekend. The federal government will also act to speed up baby formula imports from Mexico and the Netherlands.
While the federal government is working on baby formula shortages, the Obama administration has stepped up its efforts to investigate reports of price gouging by manufacturers. A congressional committee said it has sent letters to four manufacturers, including Abbott Nutrition.
Homemade formulas may contain germs
Using homemade baby formula may put your baby at risk of serious illnesses. Many recipes call for raw milk, which contains bacteria that can cause severe infections in infants.
The ingredients used to make homemade formula are not regulated, making it more dangerous than commercial formula. In addition, homemade formulas often have inadequate amounts of critical nutrients. This may lead to deficiencies and dehydration in your baby.
Homemade formulas also have the potential to contain bacteria, germs, and other harmful contaminants. Homemade formulas do not have an expiration date, so they can become contaminated while being made.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies do not use homemade formula. Instead, they should be breastfed. Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby’s health. The nutrients your baby needs are found in breast milk.
The food safety risks of homemade baby formula are serious, and they are not supported by scientific evidence. Using homemade formula increases your baby’s risk of foodborne illness, illness, and malnutrition.
Homemade formulas have the potential to contain too much salt, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in infants. They can also have too many vitamins and minerals, which can be harmful to babies’ kidneys.
Homemade baby formula also calls for raw chicken livers, which can increase your baby’s risk of foodborne illness. Although some home formula recipes specify that the raw chicken livers be frozen, freezing does not eliminate the organisms that can cause serious illnesses in infants.
Cronobacter sakazakii is one of the most dangerous bacteria that can get into your baby’s formula. The bacteria can live in water, on countertops, or on other surfaces in your home. The infection can cause severe infections, meningitis, and sepsis. In severe cases, your baby may experience jaundice, irritability, and swelling of the brain and spinal cord.
Impact on poorer families disproportionately
Despite the federal actions taken to address the nationwide baby formula shortage, poorer families are still suffering from the effects of the crisis. They face inequitable access to food and the social safety net. And, they are less likely to exclusively breastfeed their infants through three months of age.
The formula crisis reveals major flaws in our food production and distribution system. It also underscores the need for better policies to prioritize infants and people with disabilities. And, it demonstrates how vulnerable the social safety net is for families in need.
According to the Census Bureau, the baby formula shortage affects lower-income families in particular. These families are more likely to live paycheck to paycheck and work at low-paying jobs. They also have fewer resources and access to breastmilk pumping facilities.
In addition, they have fewer hours to spend with their infants, as more mothers work hourly jobs outside the home. Moreover, they have less access to refrigeration to store milk. This can be especially problematic for women with multiple children. And, the fact that these families are less likely to have access to nutritious food means that they are more likely to go hungry.
The shortage has also put more stress on families with infants. Some mothers are relying on food banks for formula. And, there are more bare shelves in grocery stores nationwide. And, even more mothers of infants with special dietary needs are struggling to find formula.
The formula shortage also puts infants at risk for malnutrition. This is especially true of Black infants, who have been found to have higher morbidity and mortality risks.
In addition, the baby formula shortage increases health disparities among Black families. While the shortage is not over yet, there are some things that Congress and the Obama administration can do to address it. They can reduce red tape and ease import rules. They can crack down on price gouging. They can also work to create stronger referral links between traditional health and public health providers.
Abbott recalls products
Earlier this year, Abbott Laboratories recalled baby formula products from its Columbus, Ohio manufacturing facility. The firm said that it voluntarily recalled several lots of liquid products because of faulty bottle caps.
The recall is affecting certain lots of 2 fl oz/59 milliliter bottles of Ready-to-Feed liquid formulas. Those lots were distributed to various retailers, distributors, hospitals, and some doctors’ offices.
Four infants developed a rare infection after consuming the formula. The FDA is investigating the illness, which may have been caused by bacteria. The firm said it is screening each completed batch of infant formula before releasing it.
The recall is not expected to affect the overall supply of infant formula. However, parents should contact their healthcare providers if they suspect their baby has an infection.
Several infants have become ill after consuming the product, including two infants who died. The FDA is investigating the deaths and is recommending that consumers avoid using the products. The firm said it is testing each completed batch of infant formula and conducting microbiological analysis before releasing it.
Infants who have developed a Cronobacter infection should contact their health care provider. The infection can cause fever, low energy, and abnormal breathing. Some infants also experience abnormal movements and changes in temperature. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and poor feeding.
If you purchased a product from one of the lots affected by the recall, you should contact your health care provider or pharmacy to have it replaced. If your health care provider does not have an alternative product available, you should contact Abbott customer service for assistance.
If you have questions about the product, contact an Abbott Consumer Relations hotline at 800-992-8890. You can also search for recalled lots on the company’s website.
