Baby Formula Shortage In NJ: Major Stores Place Limits On Buying

NEW JERSEY — The nationwide shortage of baby formula has shown no signs of improvement for New Jersey parents. Supply chain issues and federal recalls have contributed to shortages, which have prompted major retailers to limit the amount shoppers can purchase.

New Jersey has been among the most heavily impacted states, according to Datasembly. While the shortage has increased out-of-stock rates by 31 percent from November to April, New Jersey is among seven states with an out-of-stock rate higher than 40 percent.

Major chains such as CVS, Target and Walgreens have limited the amount of baby formula shoppers can purchase. Walgreens and CVS limit shoppers to three infant and toddler formula products per transaction, while Target keeps patrons at four products at a time, according to USA Today.

"Inflation, supply chain shortages and product recalls have brought an unprecedented amount of volatility for baby formula," Datasembly CEO Ben Reich said last month. "We expect to continue to see the baby formula category being dramatically affected by these conditions."

Abbott Nutrition voluntarily recalled three types of formula in February after four babies became sick with bacterial infections after consuming the products. The recall included popular brands such as Similac, Alimentum and EleCare. Two infants died from the infections, according to a whistleblower complaint a former employee filed with federal regulators, according to ABC7 New York.

See a full list of recalled brands.

The shortage also financially burdens families dealing with inflation. Formula can cost up to $1,500 in the first year alone, according to the Office of the Surgeon General's call to support breastfeeding.