The shortage of baby formula in the United States has stranded millions of American parents who are looking for how to feed their newborn children, but can’t find how.
At the heart of this problem is the fact that there is only one factory: the Abbott Nutrition plant, which has been closed for more than three months due to contamination issues.
Earlier this week, US officials announced an agreement with Abbott that paves the way for restarting production at the Sturgis, Michigan facility, the largest in the US and the source of leading brands like Similac.
But it is unclear how soon the factory will be up and running. Meanwhile, other important questions remain unanswered: What was the cause of the contamination? Could US regulators have eased the current formula shortage by stepping in sooner?
What caused the problem?
Industry executives point out that the problem began when the COVID-19 pandemic caused changes in the supply of ingredients, in the workforce and in transportation. Supplies dwindled further as parents built up reserves during lockdowns.
The formula, on the other hand, is particularly vulnerable to shortages because only a handful of companies supply almost all of the US supplies.
In February, Abbott Nutrition voluntarily recalled several brands and closed its factory after four babies were reported to have developed infections after consuming formula from the facility.
A preliminary report from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released in March found traces of a bacteria, cronobacter, on various surfaces throughout the plant, though not in areas used to make the powder.
Plant records showed that Abbott had detected the bacteria eight times in its products or facilities since 2019.
The report also noted other issues, including standing water on the floor and employees not sanitizing their hands properly.
When will the production plant restart operations?
Both the FDA and Abbott say they are working as quickly as possible to restart manufacturing at the plant. But food regulatory agency officials say Abbott has a responsibility to show that its Michigan plant meets rigorous safety standards.
Companies must thoroughly clean facilities and equipment, retrain personnel, repeatedly test, and document that there is no contamination.
Even after the facility opens, Abbott says it will take eight to 10 weeks before the new products start shipping to stores. The company continues to produce baby formula at its other plants in the US and abroad.
What initiatives has the Biden government taken?
The US House of Representatives has passed two bills to provide $28 million in emergency funding for the FDA and ensure that low-income families can continue to purchase formula.
While the White House has invoked the Defense Production Law, a legislation that requires suppliers of formula manufacturers to comply and give priority to the country to deliver the necessary inputs for the production of powdered milk.
The Administration of President Joe Biden will also implement “Operation Fly Formula” with which it authorizes the Department of Defense to use commercial aircraft to transport formula supplies from abroad, which meet FDA standards for immediate distribution.
Last week the FDA said it could increase imports of baby milk from Mexico, Chile, Ireland and the Netherlands. Currently, the United States produces 98% of the formula you consume.
What to do in the face of a formula shortage?
Professionals from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that parents not try to make their own homemade formula, nor dilute it, and consult their child’s pediatrician for alternatives.
Some doctors and health authorities have recommended that parents of children with special needs go to the milk banks that exist in the country.
Lindsay Groff, executive director of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, an organization that accredits nonprofit milk banks, reported that inquiries from parents seeking to fill the formula void increased by 20% in the last few days.
[Con la colaboración de Stephanie Martinez y Lenny Castro]
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