Young Mother’s Struggle Continues Amidst Dwindling Baby Formula

Major recalls from a top baby formula producer in the United States are causing a national crisis among young mothers trying to provide for their infants. The cause of this significant shortage of baby formula across the nation began in February as Abbott Nutrition started a voluntary recall in response to the death of two infants who contracted a bacterial infection after consuming their formula products. 

The bacterial infection is also responsible for hospitalizing at least two other infants and was traced back to the factory in Sturgis, Michigan. The Michigan factory was immediately shut down, and all production was halted as the company began a full-scale investigation into the cause of the contamination. The crisis began to spiral nationwide because baby formula production is only controlled by four main contributors: Abbott Nutrition, Reckitt Benckiser, Nestle USA, and Perrigo. Abbott is the largest producer, responsible for approximately half of the United State’s total formula production. 

As the situation continues and production has been unable to recontinue, many consumers and stores are seeing formula products absent from their shelves. By the first week of May, stores had already observed a 43 percent decrease in formula stock, and the declines continued. Mothers across the nation have responded to the shortage by stocking up on as much formula as possible. The struggle has forced families to drive long distances in search of the critical nutrients, causing further strife due to the inflated gas prices reaching more than $6 per gallon in states like California. 

The unfortunate overlapping of price inflation for gas has left many struggling families without many options. The crisis has disparagingly affected low-income families as Abbott is the predominant contractor for families receiving government assistance like Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. The crisis also poses the most significant impact to at risk infants and vulnerable children that require specialized nutritional support. 

While there has yet to be any resurgence of supply to the market, families are trying their best to cope by diluting formulas, extending rations, and resulting in breastfeeding as much as possible. However, these resources are not available to every person as breastfeeding may not be a viable option for mothers with health conditions, adoptive parents, or infants with allergies. 

President Biden has planned to invoke the Defense Production Act, which would provide formula producers priority to vital ingredients and accelerate international shipping from suppliers. As far as Abbott’s production resolution, they have finally made agreements with the Food and Drug Administration to restart its factory operations at its large Michigan location. However, it may take up to two weeks before the production begins. Abbott has clarified that although its production is slated to start by the end of the month, it may take as long as two months before formula products reappear at stores across the country. 
While times still look bleak for young parents, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a statement among many guidelines and warnings that parents without any options can feed their babies until production begins again. So while the crisis is ongoing, there seems to be hope on the horizon and a plan to provide necessary resources as soon as possible.