Today, Explained Formula None
May 17, 2022
Helena Bademiller-Evich, a Senior food and agriculture reporter at Politico, dives into the baby formula shortage affecting millions of families in the U.S. She discusses the alarming supply chain issues, the Abbott nutrition plant recalls, and the tragic consequences of contamination. The conversation bridges the gap between infant nutrition and reproductive rights, emphasizing the struggles of new mothers. Helena also critiques FDA policies, revealing the significant disconnect between food safety regulations and public health.
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Desperate Measures for Formula
- New mom Jaylene Orellana is driving 14 hours to get baby formula from Mexico.
- Parents are crying, searching stores, and calling stores desperately looking for it.
Formula Shortage: A Slow-Moving Train Wreck
- The formula shortage is a slow-moving train wreck, worsened by pandemic supply chain issues and hoarding.
- A massive recall in February, due to bacterial infections and deaths, shut down a major Abbott plant.
Abbott Plant's Food Safety Concerns
- Abbott maintains their formula wasn't responsible for the infant deaths, but the FDA found Cronobacter in their plant.
- However, the strains don't match, but the FDA found serious food safety lapses, causing the plant closure.