Statement on Formula Shortage Facing American Families

For more information, contact Elleni Almandrez
(202) 753- 5364

WASHINGTON, DC — Children’s Hospital Association is encouraged by recent actions taken by the Biden Administration and Congress to address the formula shortage facing American families. 
 
With an estimated 43% of formula brands in the U.S. out of stock, families are justifiably worried. 
 
While all U.S. hospitals use infant formula and accessories, especially those with birthing and pediatric units, children’s hospitals are more likely to use specialty formulas that meet the unique nutritional needs of the sickest infants and children. Many of these families must go to the hospital as a last resort for their child to be fed intravenously.
 
Children’s hospitals are cautiously optimistic that recent efforts, including restarting formula manufacturing at key plants within the U.S. and allowing importation from global sources, will ease the crisis and ensure the safe feeding of our nation’s children. We also need long term solutions to avoid future crises. We continue to work with the FDA and manufacturers to identify and employ strategies to avoid future shortages and to ensure that the most vulnerable patients receive the critical nutritional supplements necessary to their treatment.