Washington – Senate Democrats are urging companies to make infant formula on store shelves nationwide because of formula shortages.
“Formula is an important source of nutrition for infants and children and there is a shortage of this supply “They’re putting their health and development at risk,” a 32nd Senate Democrat led by Senators Patti Murray (D-Wash.) And Bob Casey (D-Pa.) Said in a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. . ). Commercial group.
“We encourage you and your member companies to take immediate action and ensure that infant formula manufacturers make every effort to reduce this dangerous shortage and provide the baby food they need,” he said. written by Democrats.
The Letter There is no request for information or any specific action beyond increasing production and distribution. This is largely a remorse to the industry in the face of the growing game of political accusations about a crisis of formulas, with no simple solution.
Republicans insulted the White House for not responding more aggressively, and some questioned the Food and Drug Administration’s decision to close the Abbott Nutrition facility in Michigan in February, linked to Cronobacter sakazakii infection transmitted by humans . Two cases were fatal; The company said there was no “evidence” that its product was at fault, despite what the FDA found unclean at the factory.
On Thursday, the administration announced a series of small political steps aimed at boosting the formula’s commercial offer. A proposal would allow the use of nutritional vouchers in the program for women, infants and children in the standard range of formula products. The administration also said the FDA will soon announce measures to import more formulas-the United States makes nearly 98% domestically. But officials can’t promise that more formulas will soon be off the shelves.
Officials pointed out that more formulas were produced in the United States last month than last month of conscription.
Abbott is one of four companies that make up the Infant Nutrition Board and makes the majority of infant formula in the U.S. Even before the Abbott Michigan plant closed in February, infant formula supplies were strained; Some congressmen have suggested that industry integration has contributed to the supply problem.
Murray and Casey asked Abbott about his facility for the first time in February. Casey and Sen. Sherod Brown (D-Ohio) He asked the FDA in April Because the agency waited until February to force Abbott to close its factory and recall the affected products when the first consumer complaints surfaced in September.
The Food and Drug Administration said it worked earlier this week to increase infant formula production. The agency also warned consumers not to make their own formula at home.
“Homemade baby recipes are not FDA approved and may not contain essential nutrients for baby’s growth,” he warns. declaration FDA website. “The FDA does not advise parents and caregivers to make infant formula at home because of serious health or safety concerns.” Potential problems with homemade formulas include contamination and lack or lack of critical nutrients. “
However, on Thursday Senator John F. Kennedy (LA) introduced legislation requiring the FDA to issue guidelines for “making formula safe at home,” despite the agency’s warnings not to.
The FDA’s call to action is just one example of how lawmakers are responding to the crisis. Other Republicans choose to use the deficit for political gain and attack – who else – baseless immigrants. In particular, these legislators are effective It is suggested that children go hungry as a result of their immigration status.
“The Biden administration sends formula milk to illegal mothers and their babies, while American mothers and babies can’t find formula milk,” said Marjorie Taylor Green (R-Ga.) He says Thursday at the press conference. “This is completely unacceptable and should stop now.”
Source: Huffpost
