Biden Administration announces new measures to speed production of baby formula

BOSTON — There is more relief on the way to parents struggling to find a formula to feed their babies. President Joe Biden invoked the Defense Production Act, which will speed the production of baby formula and authorize flights to import supplies from overseas.

Invoking the Defense Production Act allows the government more control over production during emergencies. It will require suppliers of formula manufacturers to fulfill orders from those companies before other customers. That means officials will be able to direct suppliers of formula ingredients to prioritize delivery to formula manufacturers.

The Biden administration also initiated ‘Operation Fly Formula’, which will authorize the Defense Department to use commercial planes to import formula supplies that meet federal safety standards from overseas to the US.

“I’ve directed my team to do everything possible to ensure there’s enough safe baby formula and that it’s quickly reaching families that need it the most,” said President Biden, during his announcement Wednesday evening. “That’s one of my top priorities.”

Supplies across the country fell after the country’s largest baby formula manufacturer, Abbott Nutrition, voluntarily recalled formula following four illnesses, including two deaths, linked to its facility back in February.

On Monday, FDA regulators allowed Abbott to restart its manufacturing plant. But the company must overhaul its safety protocols and procedures before resuming production.

That could take eight to ten weeks before new products could arrive on store shelves.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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