baby formula

U.S. health regulators say their response to the ongoing infant formula shortage was slowed by delays in processing a whistleblower complaint and test samples from the nation’s largest formula factory.

Sales of formulas designed for toddlers increased in recent years, but health experts warn parents that once children reach their first birthday, they are generally fine with cow or plant milk. And doctors say toddler formula should not be given to infants.

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf says a nongovernmental research group will convene experts to deliver the evaluations within 60 business days.

Abbott's facility has now closed and reopened twice this year. The baby formula plant had previously closed in February because of bacterial contamination.

Constraints imposed by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC, that prevent recipients from using benefits to buy formula across state lines weigh on families as the nationwide formula shortage drags on.

The Biden administration is trying to help foreign manufacturers stay in the U.S. market for the long term, in an effort to diversify the industry amid a nationwide shortage.

Abbott says it needs to assess damage and resanitize the factory after severe thunderstorms and heavy rains swept through southwestern Michigan late Monday.

U.S. regulators have historically inspected baby formula plants at least once a year, but they did not inspect any of the three biggest manufacturers in 2020, according to federal records reviewed by AP.

The shortage has led to families searching for formula to give to their babies. If the right formula cannot be found, then families are using alternative options.

Company executives told the president they knew almost immediately the substantial impact that the shutdown of a major production plant in February would have on the U.S. supply.