Baby formula shortage worsens amid recalls

Major retailers like Target, Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart are limiting purchases of infant and toddler formula. Datasembly reported that 23 percent of stores nationwide were out of stock as of January, but that number jumped to 40 percent in certain states as of Monday. Regions in 26 states have reported over half of their stock is gone.

What is causing this? Supply chain delays bear some responsibility, but recent recalls from Abbott Laboratories have worsened the problem. In February, the company recalled powder formulas from a Sturgis, Mich., facility after four consumer complaints of babies getting sick from salmonella. Abbott said evidence of the bacteria was found in the plant but no product had tested positive. Then the Food and Drug Administration issued another recall in March for all of Abbott’s baby foods after an infant died earlier this year. Although most parents can opt for another brand, this has left companies struggling to produce and distribute more. Datasembly CEO Ben Reich said in April that the problem is likely to persist for a while.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Dunn’s report in Schooled about how schools have struggled to provide lunches amid grocery shortages.