What to know about the baby formula shortage

Millions of infants and their families rely on baby formula.

According to a CDC study of infants born in 2017, only a quarter of mothers exclusively breastfeed through the first six months of their baby's life.

Here are some questions and answers about the nationwide shortage gripping the nation — and how the Biden administration is trying to ease the shortage.

Why is there a shortage of baby formula?

On top of pandemic-related supply-chain troubles affecting much of the global economy since early 2020, earlier this year there were also ingredient shortages that caused formulas to be scarce, or totally out of stock, nationwide. Then, in February, Abbott, one of the four main makers of formula in the United States — with 90% of the market — voluntarily recalled several products, including the popular Similac, due to possible contamination at a plant in Sturgis, Michigan, that caused a bacterial infection.

Jean-Paul Rodrigue, a Hofstra University professor in the Department of Global Studies and Geography who specializes in logistics and freight distribution, said there is enormous political pressure to solve the problem, and the shortage raises questions about the perils of so few manufacturers making formula.

“It has so much of a public impact, because it basically goes down to issues that people care the most about. You know, if it was a flat screen television, you’d say, ‘OK.’ But you’re talking about baby formula, for God’s sake …. And there’s a huge sense of urgency,” Rodrigue said.

How much of a shortage is there?

The company Datasembly estimated earlier in May that 43% of baby formula was out of stock at retailers. 

How have the shortages affected supply at local stores?

Some retailers have rationed purchases, limiting buyers to only a certain number, and others have had bare shelves. Online retailers haven’t fared much better; there are weekslong backlogs reported.

Are there certain nutritional requirements?

According to the Food and Drug Administration, the law generally requires that there be specific 29 nutrients and caps the amounts in nine of those ingredients.

How long are these shortages supposed to last?

It could be weeks more. The FDA and Abbott struck a deal to let the company reopen the closed factory, provided there’s oversight from an outside monitor. Abbott has said it plans to reopen the factory within two weeks, but that it would take an estimated six to eight weeks before the products are available.

What did President Joe Biden announce this week?

On Wednesday, the president invoked a law called the Defense Production Act aimed at boosting baby formula manufacturing. He’s requiring suppliers to direct the ingredients that go into baby formula to baby formula manufacturers before any other company that might have put in orders for those same ingredients.

The act, passed in 1950 during the Korean War, grants the president wide authority during a crisis to force companies to give priority to the manufacturing and allocating of goods needed to ameliorate the crisis.

What is Operation Fly Formula?

Biden directed federal agencies to use Department of Defense commercial aircraft “to pick up overseas infant formula that meets U.S. health and safety standards, so it can get to store shelves faster,” according to the White House.

“DOD will use its contracts with commercial air cargo lines, as it did to move materials during the early months of the COVID pandemic, to transport products from manufacturing facilities abroad that have met Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety standards,” the White House said in a statement. 

“Bypassing regular air freighting routes will speed up the importation and distribution of formula and serve as an immediate support as manufacturers continue to ramp up production.”

By Matthew Chayes

matthew.chayes@newsday.comchayesmatthew

Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.