The U.S Food and Drug Administration advises against making homemade baby formula, despite alarming shortages following a Similac recall earlier this year. Abbott Labs issued a voluntary recall on Similac back in February after learning about the death of a baby that tested positive for Cronobacter Sakazakii. Shortages have continued since then and are worsening to the point where retailers are limiting purchases. This includes Walgreens, CVS Health, and Target.
A spokesperson for Walgreens told CBS MoneyWatch it is limiting customers to three infant and toddler formula products per transaction, citing "increased demand and various supplier issues."
CVS Health also said it has imposed a limit of three baby formula products per purchase in stores and online, until it can procure sufficient supply from its vendors." (CBS)
Nationally, 40% of the top-selling baby formula products were out of stock as of the week ending April 24, a new analysis from Datasembly, which tracked baby formula stock at more than 11,000 stores, shows. As this crisis builds, low income families are the hardest hit and cried for the overnment to do something are growing.
U.S. Senator Tom Cotton says tweeted the Biden Administration takes this seriously.
In the Whtie House pressss briefing on Monday, May 9 Press Secreatary Jen Psaki told reporters the FDA is working with product manufacturers to remedy the issue.
About the Infection
Illnesses occurred in Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas between September 6, 2021 and January 4, 2022.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cronobacter Sakazakii is a rare infection that can lead up to meningitis in infants 2 months or younger.
This germ can be found in dry foods, such as powdered infant formula, powdered milk, herbal teas, and starches.
If contracted, the first signs and symptoms in infants are having a fever, poor feeding, and very low energy.
The recalled products are marked with the followin codes: