According to the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. will continue to distribute 1.25 million baby formula cans in an effort to replenish the country’s urgent supply over the next few weeks.
This stock will make the total import supply of baby formula products equal to 30 million 8-ounce bottles. It is the equivalent of the entire national supply since the Biden administration started its efforts to reduce the national shortage.
Data from Datasembly shows that the average out-of stock rate for baby formula at national retailers was 43% during the first week in May.
According to the FDA, Bubs from Australia will deliver the equivalent of 27.5 millions 8-ounce bottles of various infant formulas. These formulas include organic grass-fed cows’ milk, easy-digest goat’s milk, and specialized formulas. Some of the promised supply has been made and will be transported in the coming weeks or months.
Robert Califf, FDA Commissioner, stated that “we continue to work around-the-clock with our government partners as well as industry to ensure adequate infant formula is available whenever parents and caregivers require it.” “We won’t rest until our shelves have enough safe, nutritious infant formula.”
This Australian product will be added to the 1.5 million 8-ounce bottles of formula that have already arrived in the U.S. The White House stated that the supply of NestlA(c), Health Science Alfamino Infant, and Alfamino Junior formulas was prioritised because it is critical for children suffering from cow’s milk protein allergy.
NestlA(c), said that the majority of the 132 pallets that arrived in Indianapolis on Sunday will be shipped to hospitals and home care providers.
According to Brian Deese (director of the White House National Economic Council), the shipment will provide 15% of the country’s formula needs.
He stated that people should see more formula in stores as soon as possible, starting Sunday.
On Wednesday, 114 pallets arrived in Allentown, Pa., and are now going to retailers, hospitals, and WIC (Women, Infants and Children), programs that provide nutritious food for low-income mothers and children as soon as possible.
FDA stated that it is enforcing safety requirements for imports of products into the United States. These include a review and labeling of nutrition and safety information as well as details about the production of the facility and inspection history.
Imports are part the Biden administration’s plan to expedite delivery of infant formula from overseas to U.S. stores in case of shortage.
While the scarcity problem has been growing for some time, it reached its breaking point when Abbott Nutrition, one of the biggest formula manufacturers, closed down its Michigan facility in February after the FDA discovered deadly bacteria close to production lines. Two babies died and several others were affected by the company’s formula. On Wednesday, FDA Commissioner Califf stated that the Abbott plant was “several weeks away from reopening.”
