Nationwide, there is a baby formula shortage. This shortage is frustrating, because many babies need supplemental formula and nutritional support. Since it’s getting harder to find formula, many parents have needed to spend more time and money on the formulas they need.
What’s causing such a significant shortage? Supply chain issues have been named as part of the problem, but the bigger issue is that there was a major baby formula recall in January 2022. There was a second recall in February by Abbott Nutrition. In that case, there were multiple reports of illness among babies who had consumed the powdered formula products.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration later reported that Abbott Nutrition’s facility in Sturgis, Michigan, was found to be unsanitary and that consumers should not use any of the recalled baby formula.
Hoarding adds an additional strain on the formula supply
A third variable that has made it more difficult for parents to get formula is outright hoarding of the formula supply. Parents have been asked to keep up to a two-week supply at formula at home but not to hoard formula.
What should parents do if they have recalled baby formula?
Parents who used the recalled formulas, some of which include lots of EleCare, Alimentum and Similac with expiration dates of April 1, 2022 and beyond, should stop using the products immediately. If their children are showing signs of lethargy, fever, vomiting or other abnormal issues, then it’s necessary to call their pediatrician or take them to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Parents have been told to switch to generic versions of the formulas or other options rather than risking the use of the abovementioned formulas.
If you fed your baby one of the above formulas and they became ill or passed away from it, it’s important for you to learn more about your legal options. With such a major infant formula recall, it is reasonable to look into making a claim against the manufacturer for hospital bills, pain and suffering, and other financial losses that you may have as a result of the unsanitary food items that were produced.