CT Baby Formula Shortage: 5 Things To Know

CONNECTICUT — Connecticut families with formula-fed infants continue to struggle during the national shortage.

“It's concerning,” said Yale Pediatrics Dr. Molly Markowitz at a state legislative informational hearing about the shortage. “We're worried about unsafe alternatives that families may turn to such as cow's milk, goat milk, almond milk, diluting formula, all of these alternatives can be dangerous and harmful to infants.”

Here is what to know about the shortage and what formula companies and the government are doing to alleviate it:

What caused the shortage?

Infant formula, like many other products, was already in short supply due to ongoing supply chain issues.

The shortage became particularly challenging after Abbott issued a recall for formula in February and shut down its Sturgis, Mich. production plant. Court records show that the Food and Drug Administration found deadly bacteria cronobacter at the plant, according to the New York Times. Some babies became ill and others died after consuming formula produced at the plant, but the company said there wasn’t a proven connection.

Some have also laid blame on concentration of the infant formula industry in the U.S. About 90 percent of formula is produced by just four companies.

The federal government has added to the manufacturer consolidation problem through the use of sole-source contracting for Women, Infants and Children benefits, said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal. About 50 to 60 percent of formula is purchased through the WIC program.

“We need to stop sole source contracting when it increases concentration in the industry,” Blumenthal said. “Competition is key to good prices and adequate supply.”

What is the federal government doing to alleviate the shortage?

President Joe Biden invoked the Defense Product Act Wednesday in an effort to help alleviate the formula shortage. Suppliers of key formula ingredients will be required to prioritize formula manufacturers over other customers.

Biden also announced Operation Fly Formula, which will use government commercial aircraft contracts to import formula from overseas that meets U.S. health and safety standards. Bypassing traditional air freight routes will speed up the time it takes for formula to hit store shelves. About 78,000 pounds of formula arrived Sunday.

Abbott CEO Robert Ford said the Sturgis plant should restart production in June.

What should caregivers do if their regular formula brand is out of stock?

Most healthy infants can switch formula brands without issue, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, some babies require specialized formulas that can’t be easily substituted.

Caregivers should call their infant’s pediatrician for advice and assistance.

“Call us if you're in that situation, we want to give you that personal advice for your child, because every child is unique, and what one child might be able to use for a substitute another child cannot,” said Dr. Jody Terranova, vice president of the Connecticut chapter of AAP during the legislative information session. “So your pediatrician knows your child and your family best.”

The AAP provides advice for families in specific situations and what substitutes may be used for a short period of time.

Families with WIC benefits who need additional assistance can call the agency at 1-800-741-2142.

How has Connecticut WIC program adjusted?

Connecticut under federal law puts out bid requests for formula rebate contracts through the WIC program, state WIC Director Marcia Pessolano said. Connecticut is part of a multi-state contract with Abbott.

The state was granted a federal waiver in February to expand WIC-eligible formulas after the Abbott recall, Pessolano said.

Federal regulations prevent WIC funds from being used for online formula purchasing; purchases must be made in person in front of a cashier.

Should homemade formula be used?

The AAP and pediatricians in general strongly suggest that caregivers don’t make homemade formula.

Infants require carefully balanced nutrition that has the right amount of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals, Terranova said.

we really want people to, to not try and experiment at home and to call us for something that we can provide that would be most beneficial for your baby.