The nation is seeing a shortage of formula due to some major recalls. Some are asking why is breast milk not good enough. Some are looking for other ways to supplement the formula. But, Washington officials are urging parents to avoid ‘dangerous’ homemade recipes. The prices are extremely high which could make poorer parents feel the need to improvise. Food banks are working to deal with the national formula shortage.
Parents around the nation have been traveling all over their cities and looking at other countries online for baby formula. Washington parents are being given advice on the formula. Washington state’s Department of Health sent out an advisory last week warning of “dangerous” homemade formula.
Washington among a number of states experiencing higher than 40% increase in formula. Rates are even higher in Seattle. It all started with a recall. In February, the Food and Drug Administration announced the recall of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formulas produced in Sturgis, Michigan.
Bacterial infections have been reported in four infants who consumed powdered infant formula produced in Abbott Nutrition’s facility in Sturgis. The FDA said it is investigating the consumer complaints. The recall, in addition to high inflation and high gas prices is harming poor families and food banks.
President Biden launched a webpage last week listing resources that can help families find formula, including manufacturer hotlines and local community resources. He also met with manufacturers last week to learn how they could increase production and how his administration could help. The President’s administration asked parents to talk to their care providers before switching formulas.
