Why baby formula supply is low, what can be done – new video uploaded to AP Video Hub

In the video, she explains how the baby formula shortage began, how long it might last and what can be done to alleviate the issue. All videos in the Campus Insights series are free for download and use by all AP members and can be found at apvideohub.ap.org or by doing a general search on the Associated Press site. AP members may use the video or to pull quotes for print article or for broadcast or podcast.

STORYLINE

David says that the immediate supply issue with baby formula is a recall from Abbot, one of the largest manufacturers of baby formula in the U.S., which discovered bacteria in a production facility. Abbot has shut down production and recalled formula from stores. However, David says underlying supply chain issues existed well before this event. She says there is not a lot of redundancy in many of the U.S. supply chains. Because of this lack of flexibility, one point of failure can result in situations like the one happening with baby formula today. Abbot says it will take two months to produce at full capacity again. Additional supply chain issues brought on by the pandemic could delay recovery further. David says the federal government could relax restrictions on imports of baby formula to help get these crucial products back on shelves.