America’s response to the milk powder crisis

The shelf of milk at a supermarket in San Antonio, Texas, was almost completely sold out on May 10, while each customer was only allowed to buy a maximum of 3 boxes. reuters

Many measures have been taken to ensure consumers The US has accessed enough milk powder (formula) sources since Abbott Laboratories in February closed its factory in Sturgis (Michigan state) pending the results of the investigation, according to Reuters.

What happened?

Abbott, the nation’s largest supplier of infant formula, which includes the Similac brand, initially recalled its infant formula products and closed its Michigan factory after four cases of infant infections. Three cases of Cronobacter sakazakii infection and one case of Salmonella newport. In all four cases, the children drank powdered milk produced by the above factory. During the investigation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded a fourth case of Cronobacter sakazakii infection.

Cronobacter sakazakii can cause life-threatening sepsis or meningitis, and may have contributed to the deaths of two children, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). After receiving information, in mid-February, Abbott began to recall dozens of brands of powdered milk from Similac, Alimentum and EleCare. By the end of February, Similac PM 60/40 special liquid formula was added to this list.

To date, Abbott has insisted there is no evidence that its formula has been linked to infections or even death in babies. The FDA and CDC have not released any information linking infant formula from the Michigan factory and infections in infants. FDA officials said the investigation was hampered because they only collected clinical samples from 2 out of 4 cases. When analyzing these two samples, CDC found no genetic similarity between bacteria in the environment found at the factory and bacteria in the milk of sick babies. At the same time, the bacteria of both milk samples were not related.

Consumers wait to receive free powdered milk in City, Chelsea (Massachusetts) on May 18 reuters

Milk shortage is widespread

In fact, formula shortages in the US have been around since 2020 as consumers actively collect milk during the country’s lockdown because Covid-19. At that time, formula companies ramped up production to meet increased demand. By 2021, demand will gradually decrease, while global maritime activities will come to a standstill because of the epidemic. American consumers no longer felt the need to stockpile, and dairy firms reduced production. When Abbott closed the factory in Michigan, things got worse.

PBS radio quoted information from retailers across the United States that the shortage of milk has increased sharply in recent months. In the week ending May 8, the retail milk shortage rate was 43%, compared with less than 5% in the first half of 2021. In some states, like Texas and Tennessee, the figure is more than 50% , forcing parents to travel far and pay more to buy milk for their children.

The Michigan plant has not yet restarted production. Under its agreement with the FDA, Abbott was required to take corrective action to address the issues raised by federal inspectors during the factory inspection. The company expects to be able to open its factory in Michigan in two weeks.

Even as congressmen and the White House find ways to ramp up supplies, the shortage could persist for another two to four months. Abbott said it takes six to eight weeks to get the powdered formula to supermarkets from the time the factory reopens.

The US military has contracted planes to transport baby formula to address a major shortage in the domestic market.