The FDA said in May that it would make it easier to import some infant formula to alleviate the national shortage, and officials said more than 400 million 8 ounce bottles were shipped from nine countries to the United States. ..
The authorities’ current enforcement discretionary guidance, which allows flexibility in importing formula products, is valid until 14 November.
“Many of the companies that offer these formula products are interested in continuing to serve the US market permanently. For some, the flexibility of their distributors allows them to manufacture their existing global products. The footprint will be more widely used, reducing the risk of relying on the US infant formula supply chain and too few production facilities to support the US. ”
The FDA said it will work with manufacturers to create a streamlined process for entering the US formula market. This includes holding meetings with manufacturers to establish the next step and helping to continue importing, selling and distributing formulas beyond November.
Sellers limit purchases while shortages continue
At least two of the retailers (Kroger and Target) who responded to inquiries from CNN have stated that they are receiving infant formula from the Biden administration’s infant formula mission, but purchase restrictions remain.
According to spokeswoman Erin Rolfes, Kroger limits purchases to four containers per person.
Target closely monitors the supply of formulas and continues to limit products in stores and online. The company has partnered with the federal government to distribute Kendamil milk powder from the United Kingdom.
“We are also working to provide our guests with an additional international milk powder brand,” the retailer said in a statement.
A CVS spokesman said purchase restrictions remained, but declined to comment on whether the pharmacy chain received the Operation Fly Formula shipment.
“With supplier challenges and increasing customer demand, we currently have three milk powder product limits for each store and online purchase. We continue to work with milk powder vendors to address this issue, which allows us to do so. We apologize for any inconvenience. Customers. ” Matt Blanchett, Senior Manager of Retail Communications at CVS.
The National Grocery Association, which represents an independent retail and wholesale grocery store, said it was unaware that 1,500 members were receiving airlifted infant formula.
“The situation may vary from region to region, but most of the members we’ve heard receive a limited amount of formulas, and many are limited in the amount available to consumers because of pressure. Similar to the various products that were lacking at different times in the pandemic. The supply chain advises consumers to be aware of their neighbors when buying high-demand products. ” “Buying up products makes it more difficult for independent grocery stores to offer essential products to their community.”
Walgreens spokesman Jessica Masuga said the chain continues to see “increasing demand and challenges for various suppliers.”
“Like other retailers, we have a three-time purchase limit per transaction for all infant formulas to improve inventory. We will continue to work with our supplier partners to meet customer demands. We respond best, “says Masuga.
Source: www.cnn.com
