Baby formula latest target for theft rings

[The Straight Story]

Baby formula latest target for theft rings

Theft of baby formula to be resold or used to cut illicit drugs is a burgeoning national problem, politicians and retail officials say.

Rhett Asher, vice president of industry relations for the Food Marketing Institute, says the thefts are part of a growing problem with organized retail crime. Baby formula, he said, is a "staple" item for shoplifting rings because it is expensive and always in demand. For example, one can on Target's website ranges from $14 to $32.

Senators from Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, Minnesota and West Virginia announced legislation March 8 aimed at curbing organized theft of medical items, such as prescription drugs and formula.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said the stolen formula not only poses health risks for babies, it is also used to mix cocaine and heroin. It is sometimes stored incorrectly or sold after it has expired.

http://www.news10.net/news/national/130829/5/Baby-formula-latest-target-for-theft-rings?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p

[Freddie Stubbs]

1. Latest? This has been going on for years:

http://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en#q=baby+formula+theft&hl=en&site=&tbs=nws:1,cdr:1,cd_min:2001,cd_max:2002&prmd=ivnsu&source=lnt&sa=X&ei=dvORTYS_FYy4tge374BJ&ved=0CBwQpwUoCA&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=1c4b3ba075a62c3d

[logosoco]

2. Well, I guess breast milk would not be an option for the

people that are stealing it to cut with drugs!

But I don't understand why "the stolen formula ...poses health risks for babies...". It's not like they are giving the stuff back after they mix it with drugs.

[Cairycat]

3. Ibelieve the formula is used to cut drugs, then

the can is refilled with some white powder that is not formula, thus dangerous for babies, because for young infants, human milk and formula are the only suitable foods.

[LeftinOH]

4. When I worked at the big-box store, baby formula was a **very** commonly stolen item-

usually (almost always, in fact) stashed underneath a baby stroller, hidden by baby blankets/ jackets/etc. With a wailing baby in the stroller -and the mother (or someone)- yakking away on the cell phone, they were a common sight trying to get out the doors unnoticed.

"Excuse us, we need to look under the stroller"

>.."just a minute now..what?