Transport Secretary Pete Butijig addressed the infant formula deficit on Sunday, saying it was a “very personal” problem for him and his wife Chasten Butijig.
“We have two 9-month-old babies, formula milk is a very important part of our lives.” And like millions of Americans, we shopped, checked online, interacted with other relatives. places where they don’t have the same shortage to see what they can deliver, ”she told Margaret Brennan on CBS. Sunday“ Front to the country ”.
Butiji – who brought twins, a girl and a boy with his wife in August – said they were “all ready” for the formula at this point, although he acknowledged that many other families may not be so fortunate. .
“But I think what it would look like if you were a shift worker with two jobs, you probably didn’t have a car, you literally didn’t have the time and money to go to every store,” he said.
“So this is a serious problem and that’s why it’s attracting attention at the highest level, including, of course, the direct involvement of the President.”
President Joe Biden’s administration has been under intense pressure in recent weeks to do more to alleviate the infant formula shortage that has prompted many parents to try to feed their children.
Butiji blamed the crisis on Abbott, the nation’s largest producer of infant formula, which launched a recall of products made at a Michigan factory in February after four babies contracted a bacterial infection and two died.
“Further action has been taken, including imports,” Butigig told CBS. “But fundamentally, we’re here because the company can’t guarantee its facility is safe. And this factory is closed.”
He said the safe opening of the Michigan plant is “the most important” in addressing the deficit.
“And that’s the ongoing work between the company and the FDA,” he said.
He said the administration is also working with other companies to try to increase their production.
“This has led to an increase in production, which contributes to compensation.” But ultimately, this factory needs to get back online safely, ”he said.
Abbott said Monday that it has reached an agreement with U.S. health authorities to resume production in Michigan, even though it will take more than a month for these products to reach consumers.
Source: Huffpost
