Unprecedented infant formula shortages are occurring at a national level due to the recent Abbott Nutrition recall of certain powdered formulas. Infant formula has also been impacted by supply chain problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting consumers in California and across the U.S.
These shortages are occurring for both regular and therapeutic formula; however, on June 4, 2022, Abbott said it had resumed production of therapeutic formula at its Sturgis, Michigan plant. After another brief shut down caused by severe storms and flooding, Abbott restarted therapeutic formula production in July and announced a full return to regular production on August 26, 2022. Abbott projects the formula from that plant will be available on grocery shelves mid‑October.
Due to the increased availability of formula, CDPH is no longer requiring emergency departments or GACHs to report information regarding admission that could possibly be related to the formula shortage. CDPH expects this crisis to be time limited until mid-October, as manufacturers ramp up production and non-domestic infant formula arrives in the United States.
CDPH launched the Infant Formula webpage (also in Spanish) to provide the latest information about the shortage. Social media assets are available for providers and community organizations.
If you have any questions about this AFL, please contact your MHOAC.
Sincerely,
Original signed by Cassie Dunham
Cassie Dunham
Deputy Director
Resources