CHARLOTTE, N.C. β (News Release) Food and Nutritional Service administrator, Cindy Long states there are few things that worry a parent more than their childrenβs health and safety. The ongoing infant formula shortage due to supply chain issues, which worsened due to aΒ major formula recall in February, has left many caregivers feeling concerned and anxious about their options for safely feeding their infants.
Families receiving formula through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, commonly known as WIC, are among the many affected by the recall. The Biden-Harris Administration and USDAβs Food and Nutrition Service are taking many actionsΒ to help ensure WIC participants can get safe formula to nourish their babies.
Some steps you can take to ensure the safety of your infantβs formula include:
- Learn more aboutΒ choosing an infant formulaΒ thatβs safe for your baby.
- Do not feed your baby cowβs milkΒ or other non-dairy milks until 1 year old, unless youβve talked to your childβs pediatrician.
- Donβt make homemade infant formula or water down formula;Β there areΒ serious health and safety concerns.
- Do not buy formula online that comes from outside the U.S.,Β which could beΒ counterfeit, have a fake label or a wrong use-by date.
- Prepare and store infant formulaΒ according to the manufacturerβs instructions;Β do not water downΒ formula.
- ProperlyΒ clean, sanitize and store infant feeding items.
- AlwaysΒ wash your handsΒ when handling formula and feeding items.
- Talk to your pediatrician about introducing complementary foods by 6 months (no earlier than 4 months).Β VisitΒ MyPlateΒ to learn more.
Please note: Only medical professionals are qualified to provide advice on acceptable alternatives to formulas that may currently be difficult to find. The American Academy of Pediatrics offersΒ tips for parents and caregivers who are struggling to find baby formula during the shortage. Please talk with your pediatrician about safe and appropriate feeding alternatives for your child if needed.
The Food and Nutrition Service takes seriously its role in making sure infants served by FNS programs, including WIC, have access to the safe, healthy food they need to thrive. We are committed to helping families navigate this difficult time.
