Baby formula shortages have left parents scrambling, in some cases driving hours to find stores stocking the particular brands their infants need because of dietary restrictions. Nationwide, 43% of the most popular baby-formula brands were out of stock in the week that began May 1, up from 31% a month earlier. A normal rate is less than 10%.
The products have been in shortage for months partly because of supply-chain issues caused by the pandemic, reports The Wall Street Journal (May 17, 2022). The situation worsened after Abbott, one of the leading formula makers, recalled some products and shut down its plant in Sturgis, Mich., making Similac and other brands.
The FDA said it found a germ called cronobacter, which can be deadly in infants, in the Sturgis plant. Abbott said there isn’t evidence linking its formula products to illnesses resulting in the hospitalizations of 4 infants, including 2 deaths. The CDC also said the strains of bacteria at the plant didn’t match those involved in cases.
Federal prosecutors allege Abbott didn’t comply with conditions and practices designed to ensure the quality and safety of baby store formula, including steps to protect against contamination by bacteria such as cronobacter. Abbott agreed to hire an outside expert to help bring the plant into compliance with FDA rules, and said it could begin formula production again at its Sturgis plant within 2 weeks of the FDA signing off on the facility’s reopening. It would then take 6-8 weeks for products to be available on store shelves.
Meanwhile, rival Enfamil products experienced delays in shipments and transportation earlier in the year as the pandemic continued to disrupt the food supply chains. (The 2 firms are responsible for 80% of U.S. infant formula sales). Many retail chains are continuing to ration supplies by placing strict limits on orders, while others are trying to find substitutes with little success. Abbott said it is bringing products from its factory in Ireland to the U.S. but added that it will take weeks before the Irish plant’s products are on store shelves.
Meanwhile, everyone from frustrated parents to lawmakers on Capitol Hill have called for inquiries into why shortages have been difficult to resolve.
Classroom discussion questions:
- What other products are seeing inventory shortages?
- How do they differ from the baby formula issues?