WASHINGTON, May 13 ― US President Joe Biden met yesterday with executives from infant formula manufacturers and retailers including Target, Walmart and Nestle's Gerber, pressing them to do everything possible to get families access amid a nationwide shortage.
Formula shortages because of a factory being taken offline have been compounded by supply chain snags and historic inflation, leaving about 40 per cent of baby formula products out of stock nationwide, according to data firm Datasembly. “What we are seeing, which is an enormous problem, is hoarding,” Psaki said. “That is also something we're focused on.”
Abbott, the biggest US supplier of milk formula, said tests showed one bacteria strain found in the facility was not linked to any known infant illnesses, although it was updating its cleaning and related protocols.Several retailers, including Target Corp, CVS Health Corp and Walgreens Boots Alliance, have limited formula purchases until supplies improve to prevent hoarding. New York Attorney General Letitia James also has warned against price gouging.