SHORTAGE OF BABY FORMULA IN THE UNITED STATES

The current demand for baby formula in the United States has led to a massive shortage over the past few months. Although manufacturers are producing at full capacity and making as much formula as they can, the out-of-stock rate has risen sharply since July 2021.

According to data company, Datasembly, more than half of baby formula was completely sold out at the end of April in Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Missouri, Texas and Tennessee.

Over and above these six states that are struggling with supply, 26 other states have now also raised concern over stock availability.

Many retailers in non-affected states are now limiting their customers when it comes to buying baby and even toddler formula. Some retailers have given different limits for customers shopping in-store and those shopping online.

Retailer Walgreens has confirmed to CNN that it is limiting customers nationwide to three toddler and infant formulas per transaction.

“We continue to work diligently with our supplier partners to best meet customer demands,” Wallgreens said in a statement to CNN Business.

Although the shortage is not due to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) shutdown of an Abbott Nutrition facility in Michigan, it has certainly played a major role.

Three of Abbott Nutrition’s powdered baby formula brands have been recalled due to potential bacterial infections. One of these included Salmonella.

The FDA has advised parents and caregivers of babies and children not to buy or use certain batches of EleCare, Similac and Alimentum. All three are Abbott Nutrition’s brands manufactured in the same facility in Michigan.

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