U.S. to boost baby formula imports to ease nationwide shortage after Abbott Nutrition recall

Senior Biden administration officials said on Thursday that the U.S. will increase baby formula imports as part of an effort to ease a nationwide shortage.

There was a shortage of formula after two infants who consumed it died of infections.

The FDA will announce actions to increase formula imports in the coming days, officials said. The U.S. produces 98% of infant formula. According to the officials, Ireland, Mexico, and the Netherlands are potential sources of additional imports.

Abbott Nutrition, the nation's largest baby formula manufacturer, issued a recall in February. Four infants were hospitalized with infections from the Cronobacter sakazakii after consuming products from its plant in Michigan. Two babies died.

The Michigan facility was the location of Abbott's Similac PM 60/40, Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powered formulas. Cronobacter sakazakii was found at the plant, but not in areas where the product is made. All finished product tested came back negative.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has told parents to check Abbott's website to find out if their product has been recalled. The FDA advises consumers not to use recalled infant formulas.

Parents are having a hard time finding baby formula because of the plant closing and recall.

Datasembly, a company that tracks retail data, says that in the first week of May, 42% of baby formula supplies were out of stock. If the FDA signs off, Abbott can restart the plant within two weeks, but it will take up to eight weeks for products to make it to stores.

President Joe Biden met with Walmart, Target, and other companies to discuss ways to ease the shortage. The Justice Department is working with state attorneys general to deal with predatory behavior by retailors, and the Federal Trade Commission has been asked by Biden to use its power to monitor reports of price gouging.

The powered formula has not been linked to any more infections, according to the CDC. State health departments should report any infant Cronobacter infections.

According to the CDC, Cronobacter can cause infections in the brain and spine. There are a number of symptoms, including a high temperature, poor feeding, crying, and low energy.