Bilirakis Fights for Desperate Parents Seeking Formula to Feed their Babies

Washington, DC- Congressman Gus Bilirakis and a group of his concerned colleagues sent a letter to President Biden and FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, demanding action and answers about the steps the Administration will take to solve the national shortage of baby formula. After months of a growing unaddressed problem, the formula shortage has reached crisis levels in recent weeks. The share of baby formula "out of stock across the U.S. hit 40 percent on April 24" and a "total of 26 states have out of stock rates of 40 to 50 percent." Large retailers have put caps on how many cans of formula a customer can buy at a time, and there are significant concerns about how America's most vulnerable children, those who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), are being impacted.

"I've heard from many constituents on this issue, as parents are understandably frustrated and scared by this shortage," said Congressman Bilirakis. "It is an urgent problem that must be addressed immediately, and to date, the Biden Administration has not treated the situation with the urgency that is warranted. After all, this is a matter of life and death. Despite this, the Biden Administration has actually taken steps to worsen the crisis, and the action plan attempting to address this situation is woefully insufficient. Parents need help immediately, and my colleagues and I fully intend to hold this Administration accountable for meeting their needs. They must do better – now!"

In his statement, Bilirakis is referring to the continued closure of Abbott Nutrition's Michigan plant which historically produces a large percentage of the nation's supply of baby formula. The FDA ordered the closure in February of 2022 after the company voluntarily and temporarily recalled some of its formulas. The FDA said it intended to conduct an investigation and perform enhanced testing, and has still not yet cleared the facility. Despite no evidence of formula produced at the facility being linked to any adverse events, the FDA has kept the plant from resuming full production operations. The prolonged shutdown of this facility without any public backup plan by the Administration has greatly exacerbated the current shortage.

Congressman Bilirakis is also outraged by reports of the Biden Administration shipping pallets of formula to the border. "Why should those parents who have illegally entered the United States have a plentiful supply of formula, while American parents are frantically searching stores and finding empty shelves," Bilirakis said. "This is another prime example of this Administration's America last policies."

Additionally, it should be noted that this current shortage places strain on families that are already grappling with the impact of record inflation as they try to ensure adequate nutrition for their babies. The U.S. Surgeon General estimates that families are now spending an average of $1200- $1500 on formula during each baby's first year- when they can find the formula. To read a full copy of the letter, click here.