Two U.S. lawmakers introduced legislation Wednesday to expand domestic infant formula production in the wake of supply disruptions that have left parents scrambling to find formula and some struggling to feed their babies.
The Infant Formula Made in America Act would create a tax credit program to support small U.S. infant formula producers and help them compete with larger companies in the market.
“The infant formula shortage was a terrifying burden on families,” said U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa. “Too many parents and caregivers were left tired and scared, and we need to make sure this never happens again—there is no greater fear than not being able to feed your child.”
The legislation is sponsored by Casey and U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn.
The lawmakers say the U.S. needs to boost domestic infant formula production to ensure parents have access to safe and nutritious formula for their babies.
More than two years ago, a massive recall of U.S. infant formula manufactured by Abbott Nutrition led to supply disruptions that left parents scrambling to find formula and some struggling to feed their babies. The recall came amid a bacterial outbreak that infected four babies and led to the deaths of two.
The FDA has taken some steps to address the supply shortage, including releasing a report and a strategy to prevent similar situations in the future, but Casey and DeLauro say more needs to be done to bolster domestic infant formula production.
“The 2022 infant formula shortage was generated because of two key issues: food safety and supply,” DeLauro said in a statement. “It left families and parents scrambling to find infant formula on scarce shelves, and facing the fear that the formula they had purchased may not be safe for their baby’s consumption if they even found it. No parent should face this, and it is why I am committed to enacting policies that prevent a future shortage. While I have introduced several bills to improve food safety, we must also unravel the heavily consolidated market that greatly contributed to the 2022 shortage. The Infant Formula Made in America Act would give smaller manufacturers a boost to compete with giants in the industry and improve market diversity.”
The tax credit program is designed to support small infant formula producers, those with less than $750 million in revenue, and help them grow to compete in the market.