Geoff: A nationwide shortage of
baby formula is sending parents
across state lines in search of
their preferred brand, and some
major retail chains have started
rationing their supplies.
Ali rogin has more on the
crisis, and how parents are
coping and keeping their babies
fed and healthy.
Ali: 75% of infants receive at
least some formula by the time
they're six-months-old,
according to the CDC.
Formula companies, like most
businesses, are dealing with
supply chain issues, but on top
of that, one of the largest
suppliers of formula announced a
recall in February.
To discuss this, I'm joined by
Mallory Whitmore.
She's a certified infant feeding
specialist, and she runs the
formula mom website.
Mallory, thank you so much for
joining us.
I want to start with one of the
reasons behind the shortage.
Abbott laboratories, which is
the parent company of the
similac formula brand, announced
a massive recall in February.
But, how is it that one
company's recall can cause this
much disruption throughout the
entire marketplace?
Mallory: Yeah, absolutely.
So, most parents don't know that
there's actually only five fda
approved infant formula
manufacturers in the united
States.
Three of those control the very
large share of the market.
And so, when one of the largest,
similac, goes offline, due to a
recall or something similar, it
creates just a huge ripple
effect in what we're able to
find on the shelves.
Ali: We should note that, in a
statement, Abbott has said they
are working to leverage their
global manufacturing and supply
network, including increasing
production at their plants in
Europe.
Let's talk about particularly
vulnerable families.
About half of the infants born
in the United States receive
some form of supplemental
nutrition funding.
What are some of their specific
challenges, and for their
parents?
Mallory: It's really tough for
some families right now, with
the large majority of infants
that receive formula through an
assistance program receive wic
-- women, infants, children.
And so, wic providers are
aligned with one particular
formula manufacturer per state.
So, there are some states where
the only formula provided via
wic is similac, or was similac.
And so, you've got families that
are not able to get the formula
that they particularly, or
usually, have had covered.
Ali: For some infants who have
medical issues, it's very
difficult to switch formula
brands.
How are families that have
infants with medical problems
dealing with this?
Mallory: It's been really tough.
It's not the case that formulas
are all the same.
Different formulas have
different ingredients.
Different babies will react
certain ways to new ingredients.
It's not as simple as going and
picking up something off the
shelf.
And so, for families that have
children with allergies, or
intolerances, we're seeing an
increase in some of these
digestive symptoms and digestive
issues, as a result of having to
do a very sudden change.
Ali: And, some infants who don't
even have medical issues, it can
be a challenge to transition
them to another form of formula,
right?
Mallory: Absolutely, especially
a sudden transition like this.
Typically, I would recommend a
slower transition.
You're introducing the new
formula, you're seeing how baby
tolerates it.
With a recall or a shortage, you
can't find your existing
formula, it has to be a cold
Turkey transition.
And, that can create some
digestive upset for many babies,
whether or not they have any
sort of intolerance.
Ali: What are your
recommendations for parents who
are trying to extend the amount
of formula that they have, or
perhaps find alternatives?
What should they be thinking
about?
Mallory: Yeah.
First, we want to talk about
what I do not recommend that
parents do.
You never want to try to dilute
your formula extra, or stretch
the life of your can by adding
more water.
It's very dangerous to do that.
It really throws off the
macronutrient profile of the
formula.
You also never want to make your
own homemade formula.
Babies have very specific
nutrient needs.
We want to make sure that
they're getting what they need,
and we can't do that with a
homemade mixture.
Ali: And, what about parents who
are relying on generic brands?
Isn't it correct that a lot of
the same generic brands are
produced with the same recipe?
Mallory: Absolutely, and most
parents don't know that.
Generic brands are a great
option.
They're as nutrient dense,
they're fully regulated, as any
namebrand formula, and you're
right, the recipe is the same
store to store.
So, your target brand infant
advantage formula is the same as
your Walmart brand.
And, that can really increase
the number of stores that
parents can look at to find a
formula their baby tolerates.
Ali: And, in the time we have
left, what are your thoughts on
what the industry should be
learning from this?
Are there improvements that can
be made, once this shortage is
dealt with?
Mallory: Absolutely.
I think we need to really pay
attention to the fact that a
shortage like this affects our
very most vulnerable citizens,
which are our babies.
We need to be able to do right
by them.
That may mean that we need to
diversify the formula industry,
so it's not so concentrated with
three big players.
That may mean we need to give
parents additional formula
education, so that, if they're
in a pinch, they know what
they're looking for, and what
their baby could need.
Ali: Mallory Whitmore, founder
of the formula mom website,
thank you so much for joining
us.
Mallory: Thank you for having
me.