In what could be a life-saving move, Nestle is flying in baby formula supplies to the U.S. from Europe to alleviate the shortage.
“We prioritized these products because they serve a critical medical purpose as they are for babies with cow’s milk protein allergies,” the company said. “Both products were already being imported but we moved shipments up and rushed via air to help fill immediate needs.”
Baby formula is almost impossible to find since U.S. manufacturer Abbott Laboratories in February recalled dozens of types of its Similac, Alimentum and EleCare formulas and closed down the plant temporarily. However, the manufacturer has reached an agreement with the government to reopen one of its closed factories and increase production, though it will take weeks before their formula hits shelves.
Meanwhile, the FDA is announcing other plans to ease the nationwide formula shortage by easing some restrictions on which manufacturers can sell infant formula in the U.S.
“Our new guidance streamlines the ability for companies, including those that do not normally sell infant formula in this country, to make products available to the U.S. market.“
“We are focused on getting as much product as possible on store shelves,” said Frank Yiannas, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for food policy and response.
“And we won’t rest until the infant formula market gets back to normal.”