Health Canada says the country is facing a shortage of baby formula made for infants with food allergies and some medical conditions due to a safety-related closure of a large manufacturing plant in the United States that is affecting global supplies.
Why does Canada have a formula shortage?
About the limited supply
The facility supplied a large amount of powdered infant formulas in the US, Canada and many other countries. Its closure worsened a global shortage of infant formula. The plant re-opened on July 1, 2022 but may not return to full production capacity until 2023.
Is Canada experiencing a baby formula shortage?
Hypoallergenic infant formula shortage – Information for pharmacy professionals. Canada is experiencing a limited supply of specialized infant formulas, including extensively hydrolyzed formulas (for mild or moderate allergies) and amino acid-based formulas (for severe or multiple allergies).
Is baby formula available in Canada now?
Most of the baby formula available in Canada comes from the United States. Abbott Nutrition makes the popular Similac and Alimentum formula brands.
Why is there a shortage on baby formula now?
The national baby formula shortage began after safety concerns forced the shutdown of a major supplier’s flagship plant. The company, Abbott Labs, has since reopened the plant, and the White House has tried to alleviate supply chain logjams.
How long will baby formula shortage last?
The US Food and Drug Administration commissioner said last week that formula production needs to continue at high levels for six to eight more weeks for supply to keep up with demand. Programs designed to help families affected by the shortage are being extended, too.
Why is there a baby formula shortage 2022?
Strains on formula supply chains induced by the COVID pandemic were greatly exacerbated by a voluntary formula recall by Abbott Nutrition and the months-long closure of a major formula production facility in Sturgis, Michigan.
How long will formula shortage last Canada?
The plant has since reopened but may not return to full production capacity until 2023. “Health Canada is aware of the current global supply constraints on infant formula and has been working to mitigate possible impacts on supply to Canada,” the agency said in a statement.
Is Similac formula coming back?
Aug. 29, 2022 – Abbott Nutrition is resuming production of Similac, its leading baby formula, at a Michigan plant that was shut down earlier this year due to contamination concerns.
Is the formula shortage getting better?
Despite improving stock rates, many families with new babies in the United States are still having trouble finding baby formula.
Will the formula shortage get worse?
Formula shortages have grown worse each month so far in 2022, the company reported, with out-of-stock rates starting at 23% in January and increasing from there.
What to do if you can’t find baby formula?
If you run out of formula and can’t find any, in a pinch you can give oral rehydration solution (such as Pedialyte, Enfalyte, or a store brand) for a couple of days. Babies older than 4 to 6 months can also get puréed (finely ground) foods.
How long will it take for formula to restock?
However, it can take six to eight weeks after the start of production until the newly-produced formula appears in stores,” says Dr.
What can I do with the formula shortage 2022?
May 2022: More than 40% of the U.S.’s baby formula supplies were out of stock.
What you can do to find the baby formula you need
- Find safe substitutes.
- Try formula that’s made in another country.
- Talk to your child’s doctor about potential substitutes for specialty or hypoallergenic formula.
Is there a baby formula shortage in Canada 2022?
There is no current shortage of regular infant formula in Canada. This includes non-hydrolyzed formulas for healthy babies and partially hydrolyzed formulas for babies with gastrointestinal discomfort. These types of formula are still found on shelves in retail stores and pharmacies.
Why is there no Similac formula?
The company said manufacturing would resume at a Michigan plant that had been shut over contamination concerns, which triggered a nationwide formula shortage.
Is Similac shortage over?
December 1, 2022: Shortages expected to continue through the spring of 2023. October 1, 2022: U.S. regulators yesterday unveiled a new plan to prevent future baby formula shortages.
Why is Similac formula out of stock?
Across the country, parents have been reporting formula shortages in their local store, whether it’s for Gerber, Enfamil, Similac, or other brands. The issue largely stems from the closure of Abbott Nutrition’s facility in Sturgis, Michigan, which normally provides a large portion of the country’s baby formula.
Is Similac still recall 2022?
2022 – UPDATE: Abbott is voluntarily recalling one lot of Similac PM 60/40 (Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot # 27032K800 (case)) manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan. This is in addition to lots of Similac®, Alimentum® and EleCare® powder formula that were voluntarily recalled on Feb. 17.
Is all Similac formula recall 2022?
In February 2022, Abbott Nutrition recalled three brands of powdered formulas: Similac, Similac Alimentum, and Elecare. Only specific lots of these products were recalled, but it led to a nationwide shortage of formula in the following months that’s still ongoing as of May 2022.
Is there a recall on Similac formula 2022?
Abbott Similac recall list October 2022. Details: The recall is for 2 fluid ounce/59 ml bottles that were manufactured at the company’s Columbus, Ohio, manufacturing facility and distributed primarily to hospitals, doctor’s offices, distributors and some U.S. retailers, Abbott said.