May 10, 2022- 2:25 p.m.
Families are scrambling to find baby formula amid a nationwide supply shortage. The problem intensified after a large supply plant based in Sturgis recalled certain batches of popular formula brands, like Similac, after reports of infants getting sick.
Michigan — Baby formula is just one of many items in short supply since the pandemic hit.
Parents said the problem has only gotten worse– across the country shelves are empty and many stores are now putting limits on how much baby formula customers can buy.
Part of the issue is rooted in West Michigan: back in February, supplies were hit hard when Abbott Nutrition recalled certain batches of popular formula brands after reports of infants getting sick– those recalled products were produced at a facility in Sturgis.
- Abbott Laboratories claims its Michigan plant is not responsible for bacteria that killed at least two infants
- The baby formula manufacturer alleged an FDA investigation revealed ‘infant formula produced at our Sturgis facility is not the likely source of infection’
Recalled Products:
The FDA recommends consumers look at the lot code, a multidigit number on the bottom of a container of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula and do not use if:
- the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and
- the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
- the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.
In addition to products described above, Abbott Nutrition has recalled Similac PM 60/40 with a lot code of 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case).
You can also enter your product lot code on the company’s website to check if it’s part of the recall.
Powdered Abbott products that don’t have the code and expiration noted above are not included in the recall. Liquid formula products are not subject to the recall.
The reported cases among children involve Cronobacter sakazakii infection which can cause severe, life-threatening infections. The infections are rare but are especially high-risk for newborns.
Symptoms could include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, or abnormal body movements.
As the baby formula shortage continues, pediatricians said the best alternative for parents is to find a similar brand due to the lack of inventory.
“Some parents have to travel to 1, 2, 4, 5 stores to be able to find adequate formula for their babies,” Dr. Eric Ball, one pediatrician, said. “The one thing you want to make sure is you’re not trying to make your own baby formula or substituting with just cow’s milk or anything else for anyone under 12 months.”
The FDA is also apparently aware of the severity of the situation.
The authority, in a recent budget document, asked Congress to give the agency new authorities to prevent a critical shortage from occurring in the future.
‘No law requires manufacturers of infant formulas or essential medical foods to notify FDA when they become aware of a circumstance that could lead to a shortage of these products,’ the agency penned, noting it would like to see new protocols requiring companies to notify the FDA of anticipated supply chain interruptions.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday the Biden administration is working with manufacturers to ensure baby formula makes it back on empty shelves as frantic parents work to ensure their children are fed.
‘Ensuring the availability of these products’ is a ‘priority’ for the FDA, Psaki said at her daily press briefing, noting ‘they’re working around the clock to address any possible shortage.’
It is unclear if the administration’s response will include need requirements for manufacturers, as the FDA requested.
