2022 United States infant formula shortage
Shortage of infant formula in the United States / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In 2022, the United States experienced a severe shortage of infant formula as a result of the 2021–2022 global supply chain crisis compounded by a large scale product recall after two babies allegedly died after consuming Abbott infant formula,[1][2] import restrictions,[3] and market concentration.[4] Unlike other food products, infant formula often does not have an available and acceptable substitute as a source of nutrition for those who rely on it.[5][6] In addition to infants, the formula recalls affected non-infant medical patients who require nasogastric feeding[6][7] or have certain other conditions.[8][9][10]
On May 14, nationwide out-of-stock rates were reported to be 43%, up from 31% two weeks prior; by May 22, they had surged to 70%,[11] where they remained through the start of July.[12] (The Wall Street Journal states that the normal out-of-stock rate is 10%,[13] while other sources say that in the first half of 2021, out-of-stock rates were 2%-8%.)[14] In many places, store shelves were bare. Delaware, Kansas, and Tennessee were reported to be the hardest-hit states.[13] On May 27, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf reported to the Senate Health Committee that shortages would continue into July.[15] Effects of the shortage were also felt in Canada.[16]