US will allow baby formula import from foreign makers|Petr Kratochvil|CC0 1.0
The Biden administration announced Monday the efforts it is taking to reduce the nationwide shortage of baby formula, with the FDA working to increase imports and reopen one of the largest domestic manufacturing plants.
Baby formula import
FDA Commissioner Robert Califf informed that FDA is streamlining the evaluation process to bring in more baby formula from foreign manufacturers.
The Federal agency would prioritize baby formula from companies with the largest and quickest shipments. It is also easing some restrictions on which manufacturers can sell infant formula in the country.
Infant formulas from the UK, Australia and New Zealand may reach the American market in a few weeks.
The Abbott nutrition case
Following the nationwide baby formula shortage, the FDA reached a deal with Abbott Nutrition to reopen its manufacturing plant in Sturgis, Michigan—the plant had not been operational since February due to contamination issues.
The agreement is subject to court approval.
The plant would take at least a couple of months to resume production as Abbott must work on its safety protocols and fulfill the necessary FDA requirements.
The reason for the shortage
The infant formula shortage occurred, in part, due to the pandemic and after Abbott Nutrition recalled powdered formula throughout the country. The product had reportedly infected four babies with a rare bacterial infection and led to two deaths.
