OK State Dept. of Health addresses infant formula shortage - MetroFamily Magazine
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OK State Dept. of Health addresses infant formula shortage

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According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, pandemic-related supply chain challenges and a large recall of several formulas have led to a shortage of available infant formulas, raising significant concerns for parents.

“All of these issues have led to consumer anxiety, resulting in stockpiling, which appears to have intensified formula shortages,” the department said in a press release. “Formula production requires specific ingredients, tools and protocols to ensure no bacterial contamination during manufacturing. We don’t want to trade the current problem for a larger, more dangerous problem with infants getting sick from haphazard formula production.”

There are only five FDA-approved manufacturers in the U.S. and the factory responsible for the recall is still closed pending an investigation.

“These facilities must be FDA-registered and pass strict annual inspections to ensure proper protocols to keep infants safe,” the health department explained.

Catching up on production is also an obstacle.

“It takes 6 to 8 weeks to produce a batch of formula and get it onto the shelves of grocery stores,” health department representatives said.

The Oklahoma Department of Health outlined the following steps parents can take:

How can parents find formula during the shortage? 

  • Check smaller stores and pharmacies in your area.
  • Visit with your baby’s pediatrician about formula samples they may have.
  • Consider purchasing store-brand options.
  • Check with local food banks, community organizations and your county DHS office to see if they have formula available. 2-1-1 can help connect you with resources in your community.
  • If on WIC, contact your local health department for additional resources.

If you can’t find my baby’s formula, what can you do? 

  • Consider an alternate form of your baby’s formula such as powder, concentrate or ready-to-feed options.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider about how to gradually transition your baby.
  • Contact a lactation consultant about relactating or increasing your milk supply. The Oklahoma Breastfeeding hotline is 1-877-271-6455 or text OKC2BF to 61222.
  • Check with state donor human milk banks to see if purchasing pasteurized human milk is an available option.

What should parents avoid? 

  • Do not use goat’s milk, cow’s milk or any plant-based beverages such as soy, almond or oat milks.
  • Never dilute your baby’s formula with extra water or put baby food in the bottle.
  • Do not make your own formula.
  • Avoid casual sharing of breastmilk.

Additional resources:

Formula Shortage Guidance:
American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren.org

Information regarding the risks of homemade baby formula:
American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren.org
US Food and Drug Administration FDA.gov

Breastfeeding Information and Resources:
Oklahoma Breastfeeding Hotline – Oklahoma Breastfeeding Resource Center
Oklahoma Lactation Consultant Resource Guide

Basic Information on Relactation:
American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Milk Sharing Guidance:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Academy of Pediatrics – Policy Statement

 

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