Baby formula shortage continues to put a strain on parents
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Grocery stores have begun to limit the amount of baby formula parents can purchase as a formula shortage continues.
CBS News reported that baby formula supplies at retailers across the U.S. are down almost 40%. This is a 9% jump from the beginning of April. Out-of-stock levels are even higher in the midwest, with Missouri sitting at 52%, according to the CBS reports from Datasembly.
The shortage has been attributed to the supply-chain issues exacerbated by COVID-19 that continue to frustrate supermarkets. The supply-chain disruption makes receiving key ingredients and distributing the final product tough for manufacturers.
The recall of Similac is another attributing factor to the shortage. In January, Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Michigan plant recalled multiple types of Similac formula after reports of babies falling ill after consuming the formula. While the recall happened in January, parents can still check their lot numbers here.
The FDA said that the recall caused new concerns about the availability of infant formula, and the supply chain disruptions continue to be a factor in the ongoing baby formula shortage.
The FDA advises against parents trying to make homemade formula for infants, as it may lack vital nutrition for a child's health. They also advise against parents or caregivers diluting infant formula or avoiding buying formula. Families with WIC benefits should call the formula company or go to the store to exchange recalled formula.
Christopher Wilhelm, a MU Health Care pediatrician, says that the best thing you can do is to try to call around, and look for other suppliers, or formula that can be mailed to you.
Wilhelm said "So the best thing I can say is, find the formula that your child is on and look for other sources where it might be provided to, work with your... If you have any problems obviously, you can contact your pediatricians, at MU Healthcare, and we've been trying to work with this problem for several months now."
