The baby formula supply problem is getting worse

[Wicked Blue]

Force them to be born, then starve them

CNN Business

For months stores nationwide have been struggling to stock enough baby formula. Manufacturers say they're producing at full capacity and making as much formula as they can, but it's still not enough to meet current demand.

The out-of-stock rate for baby formula hovered between 2% and 8% in the first half of 2021, but began rising sharply last July. Between November 2021 and early April 2022, the out-of-stock rate jumped to 31%, data from Datasembly showed.

That rate has increased another 9% in just the past two weeks, and now stands at 40%, the statistics show. In six states — Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Missouri, Texas and Tennessee — more than half of baby formula was completely sold out during the week starting April 24, Datasembly said.

And although seven states had between 40-50% of baby formula products out of stock as of early April, 26 states are now struggling with supply.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/08/business/baby-formula-shortage/index.html

[Wingus Dingus]

1. Weird. Biden admin may have to step in here--this is obviously not something

families can do without.

[Samrob]

2. Another way to gouge the public and hit women hard. See it for what it really is..nt

[LonePirate]

3. We're not in a population boom so that suggests a producer-related supply problem.

It's possible some producers have left the market (not likely given demand), so I am more inclined to believe current producers have cut production in order to inflate prices.

[Freddie]

4. Old-fashioned evaporated milk formula

13 OZ evaporated whole milk
19 OZ boiled water
2 TBSP corn syrup (or sugar)


This is what most of us boomers were raised on. It’s not for every baby but will do fine in an emergency. Not that long ago a friend’s baby could not tolerate the iron in regular formulas and her doctor recommended this, baby did great.

[hunter]

5. Baby formula is probably something that should be stockpiled...

... so these sorts of market panics can be quickly quashed.

Unfortunately these kinds of disruptions can be profitable, no matter the suffering and anxiety they cause.

That's a terrible flaw of unregulated free markets.

[markie]

6. I guess I'm too old...

reading an article warning people " DO NOT make your own formula...If possible, health experts suggest breastfeeding as an alternative" wtf?? formula is a poor substitute for breastfeeding

I had a number of kids and NEVER bought "formula" I do understand that some women can't but...... do women not breast feed anymore????

[BumRushDaShow]

8. "do women not breast feed anymore????"

Do employers allow them to while at work?

That has been a major problem over the past couple decades. I know the young women I worked with years ago (and even my own sisters when they were pregnant) had breast pumps to express the milk and then refrigerate it while at work to bring home. IF they had their children in daycare, some would accept those bottles of breast milk to store for feeding the baby during the day, but others required that they be on formula.

Believe it or not, during the pandemic, for those who had the option to work at home and who hadn't weened their infants - they could breastfeed "at home". But once some were forced back into the office, then all bets were off.

This is why the rest of the world gives women a good number of PAID months off for maternity leave and infant care to be able to do this.

But the U.S.?
You can guess.

[phylny]

10. Our daughter pumps and breastfeeds.

She was able to pump at her former full-time job (unpaid time) and now works part-time remotely at home, has unpaid pump breaks, and has a small stockpile of frozen milk.

It's not easy. It takes several hours out of her day to do this. She had to work with a lactation consultant in the beginning - tons of supply, but the baby couldn't latch. I really feel for parents right now.

When I was a clinical manager, I told the moms "Put pump breaks on your schedule and we'll make it happen for you." As a former nursing mom who stayed at home with my infants, I wanted to make it as easy as possible for my employees.

[Wicked Blue]

11. That's great!

I did the same 39 years ago, while working full time.

[Dorian Gray]

14. Uh...

yeah. A lot of women don't breast feed.

For many different reasons.

1) Adopted children

2) unable to produce enough breast milk for a variety of medical reasons.

3) working full time and unable to breast feed on demand

4) Prefers the freedom of not breast feeding.

5) Doesn't want to.

[BumRushDaShow]

7. Heard something on the news last night about a recall of Abbott's formula lots (Similac, etc)

This started back in February/March...

Powdered Infant Formula Recall: What to Know

Do not use recalled Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formulas produced in Sturgis, Michigan.


For ongoing updates on the powdered infant formula recall and investigation, please see FDA Investigation of Cronobacter Infections: Powdered Infant Formula.

If you use powdered infant formula, be aware certain Similac, Alimentum and EleCare products have been recalled and should not be used.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating consumer complaints of bacterial infections in four infants who consumed powdered infant formula produced in Abbott Nutrition’s facility in Sturgis, Michigan. All four infants had to be hospitalized and the bacterial infection may have contributed to death in two patients.

The FDA has published a full list of recalled brands. Recalled products should no longer be available for sale. But if you have these products in your home, check the lot code on the bottom of the package to determine if they are included in the recall.

The FDA also is providing additional information for parents and caregivers of infants receiving medical specialty infant formula and individuals using certain medical foods.

Because infant formula is the only source of nutrition for many newborns and infants, the FDA understands and shares the concerns parents and caregivers may have.

Here’s information to help you as we continue our investigation.

What powdered infant formula products have been recalled?

Abbott Nutrition has recalled certain powdered infant formula products produced at its Sturgis, Michigan facility. Products from that facility can be found across the U.S. and some were exported to other countries. Here’s how you can tell if you have any of those products.

The FDA recommends consumers look at the lot code, a multidigit number on the bottom of a container of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula and do not use if:

the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and

the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and

the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

In addition to products described above, Abbott Nutrition has recalled Similac PM 60/40 with a lot code of 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case).

You can also enter your product lot code on the company’s website to check if it is part of the recall. Please see the images below for a closer look at the identifying information.

(snip)

More: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/powdered-infant-formula-recall-what-know

[slightlv]

9. I was one of those babies that didn't thrive on breast feeding

and worst on formula. Took a bit to sort things out for me, but ended up on soylac to finally make me keep things down and start to thrive. Yuk on the very thought of it today. Finally came home from the hospital at 5 pounds and about 3 months old. My daughter had the same issues, but for very different reasons. Hers isn't the milk sugar, it's the milk protein, I think I remember. There's all sorts of problems with milk.

This problem today, to my mind, is a producer problem. These corporations are seeing all kinds of ways of increasing profits on our backs. Misery and suffering are just add-ons.

[Wicked Blue]

12. This!

" corporations are seeing all kinds of ways of increasing profits on our backs. Misery and suffering are just add-ons."

[Chainfire]

13. As soon as the price quadruples, the problem will be solved, as if by magic.