U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) this week requested details from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about how it is helping manage the nationwide shortage of infant formula.
“We have heard from constituents about this issue — parents who are unsure how to provide this essential sustenance for their babies and worried about the nutritional impacts of this supply chain shortage,” wrote Rep. Hinson and colleague U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) in a May 10 letter sent to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf. “As moms ourselves, we know the stress this is causing in so many households.”
The congresswomen called on the FDA to provide a clear timeline for when baby formula inventory is expected to be sufficiently restocked, as well as a long-term plan to minimize supply chain disruptions for baby formula.
“This crisis must be addressed,” Rep. Hinson and her colleague wrote, noting that the families suffering the most from the infant formula shortage are some of America’s most vulnerable, such as those living in rural areas or in poverty, as well as babies having medical conditions.
“This supply chain crisis-induced infant formula shortage is only worsening,” according to their letter, which points out that 26 states are now struggling with supply. “Roughly 40 percent of the nation’s infant formula is out of stock; in the last two weeks alone, the percentage of out-of-stock infant formula has jumped 9 percent.”
The lawmakers requested answers to several questions, including what steps the FDA has taken to minimize the impact of the immediate shortage; what measures should be taken in the long term to minimize supply chain disruptions for an essential product; and if the FDA is currently working on plans to collaborate with manufacturers to increase production, imports, general supply, FDA approvals, and nationwide availability of infant formula, among others.
Rep. Hinson also asked that the commissioner provide a clear timeline for when inventory is expected to return to sufficient levels.
“Parents should never be in a position of not knowing where to procure formula for their babies. Frankly, these empty shelves are unacceptable,” the members wrote. “Families deserve better.”