Why is baby formula out of stock?
Over the last few years, the main reason for a baby formula shortage has stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic. Many everyday household items, such as toilet paper, food, and baby formula, were snatched off the shelves as quickly as they had been stocked as panic ensued. After the initial panic had died down, there were still delays in shipping due to an overloaded supply chain.
The pandemic stressed production companies as the demand for products such as formula was much higher than the supply.
The shortage of baby formula in stores greatly increased when the FDA shut down one of the biggest companies, Abbot Baby Formula Plant, due to health code violations and hygiene concerns. This meant additional pressure was put on other manufacturers of baby formula to combat the shortage.
Why Was The Abbot Plant Shut Down?
Originally, the plant was shut down after the FDA came in for a routine inspection and shockingly discovered cronobacter sakazkii, a germ that only survives in dry places. Usually, the bacteria survive in dry food items, such as pancake mixes, flour, and baby formula.
Unfortunately, a baby formula factory was the perfect living environment for this type of germ. Even more alarming, and what led to the shutdown, was that cronobacter sakazkii is so dangerous for infants.
In extreme cases, it can even lead to the unexpected death of a child. The FDA was left with no choice but to shut the facility down until they could get the situation under control.
Unfortunately, its timing has made the shortage even more prevalent.
What Areas Were Affected the Most by the Shortage of Formula?
While many people were affected all over the United States, some states appeared to take a harder blow than others. About 10 states were reported to be missing 90% of the stock of baby formula. Other states were even higher than that.
The states affected the most were Tennessee, Louisiana, Washington, California, and Nevada. The shortage has caused many families, particularly lower-income families, to suffer tremendously and be forced to rush from place to place to find baby formula.
What Has the Baby Formula Shortage Done to the Economy?
Since the shortage was unbelievably massive in so many places, the prices of the remaining formulas on the shelves skyrocketed. People were shocked to find that the cost of baby formula had doubled quickly.
Most people could not find a baby formula that fit into their budgets, and many were faced with the devastating reality that they were now unable to feed their infant children.
Many families even resorted to stealing formula to make ends meet. Others used a homemade formula recipe.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Shortage?
Any product can take some time for the distribution levels to match the consumption levels. People had been told the shortage would only last a couple of weeks, but due to such a high demand level, it can take months.
There have been many shortages of different products throughout history, especially amidst the pandemic. The one thing that remains clear when facing a shortage is that if production is not high enough, people will continue to suffer, and their needs will not be met.
What Has the Government Done in Response to the Baby Formula Shortage?
Fortunately, the government worked to ensure that families got the formula they needed for their children. Many programs, such as WIC, put systems in place that allowed families to buy multiple types of formula so that if they ran out, they would have a backup.
What Steps Should Be Taken to Ensure Shortages Do Not Continue?
It is important, first and foremost, for the production teams to follow the proper safety protocols when handling things made for consumption.
The production teams need access to safe, good quality, and trustworthy ingredients so there is no room for cross-contamination or any other germs that might contaminate food products and make them dangerous to consume.
What Should I Do if I’m in an Area Experiencing a Shortage?
If you are in an area that appears to be experiencing a baby formula shortage, you should sign up for programs to help you find the formula. Some programs include WIC as well as EBT (snap Benefits).
If you are in immediate need of formula and have not yet been approved for one of the assistance programs, you might consider checking out local soup kitchens and food banks or asking family members and friends for help.
There is also an option to use a make-at-home formula recipe, although you are advised not to do so without contacting your pediatrician.
What Can I Do to Help Those Affected by the Shortages?
First and foremost, do not overbuy formula as this can lead to a shortage which leads to panic buying, which leads to an even greater shortage.
If you are not affected directly by the formula shortage, that doesn’t mean you can’t help make things a bit easier for those affected! Some ways to help would be to donate any extra formula you might have on hand to local food banks or even give them to people you know.
If you don’t have any extra formula to give away, the next best thing would be to share resources with your friends, colleagues, and family members to spread the word about options during these hard times.
If you can afford it, donating to different programs that specifically focus on preventing formula shortages and other types of shortages can be extremely helpful in shortage prevention in the future.
