Prices and scarcity of baby formula rose in 2021 because of supply chain issues. The shortage worsened after a baby formula recall from the Abbott plant in Sturgis, Michigan, in February 2022.
There is a shortage of baby formula and infant formula due in large part to a voluntary baby formula recall by formula manufacturer Abbott. On Feb. 17, 2022, Abbott recalled powder formulas made at its plant in Sturgis, Michigan. These included Similac, EleCare and Alimentum.
The February recall began after four consumer complaints about Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport. In October 2022, Abbott recalled a small number of its “ready-to-feed” liquid products and formulas but indicated this recall would not impact supplies in the U.S.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said that “just in time” distribution systems, which keep a low inventory to reduce costs, created a vulnerable manufacturing and supply system.
The Biden Administration took actions to get infant formula back on shelves, including safely reopening the Abbott plant, invoking the Defense Production Act and importing infant formula from overseas.
By September 2022, Abbott began returning to normal production of its infant formula products. Reports show, however, that some parents in parts of the U.S. were still facing a baby formula shortage in late 2022.
Califf said the reasons for some areas not having formula on shelves related to “distribution inefficiencies” but that there is evidence that the shortage is now less extensive than before. Supply levels were expected to return to pre-recall levels by early 2023.
If you’re still unable to find your baby’s formula, or if your baby requires a specialty formula, such as hydrolyzed or elemental formulas, speak with your pediatrician. They may have sourcing information or can suggest possible substitutions.
If your baby is 12 to 15 months old, you may be able to transition them to some type of milk, such as dairy or a dairy alternative, as long as it has sufficient calcium.
If your baby becomes seriously ill from formula, consult your doctor to ensure it’s not necrotizing enterocolitis. NEC is a severe gastrointestinal problem mainly affecting premature babies.
Studies have shown a link between NEC and baby formula in preterm infants. As a result, baby formula lawsuits have been filed on behalf of premature infants diagnosed with NEC.
Consumernotice.org adheres to the highest ethical standards for content production and references only credible sources of information, including government reports, interviews with experts, highly regarded nonprofit organizations, peer-reviewed journals, court records and academic organizations. You can learn more about our dedication to relevance, accuracy and transparency by reading our editorial policy.
Calling this number connects you with a Consumer Notice, LLC representative. We will direct you to one of our trusted legal partners for a free case review.
Consumer Notice, LLC's trusted legal partners support the organization's mission to keep people safe from dangerous drugs and medical devices. For more information, visit our partners page.
844-763-0072
