Florida Surgeon General Calls for ‘Transparency’ from Feds Amid Baby Formula Shortage

May 13, 2022 Updated 9:33 A.M. ET

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) –  Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said he wants “transparency” from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the country faces a baby formula shortage. 

Ladapo sent a letter Thursday to the FDA asking for “open channels of communication” and “routine updates” on the baby formula supply chain. 

“As a father, doctor, and Surgeon General for the State of Florida, I respectfully request open channels of communication for routine updates on the expected time the supply chain will be impacted and the most viable path to resuming sufficient nationwide formula supplies,” Ladapo said. 

In February, the FDA issued a warning and voluntary recall on powdered infant formula produced by Abbott Nutrition’s facility in Michigan. That facility produces the majority of the formula supply for the United States. 

“As you know, the FDA has recently acknowledged the formula shortage, caused by its warning and recall. Time is of the essence to restart production at the Abbott facility, yet the FDA has failed to produce any preliminary findings necessary to begin the reopening process and update the nation on this issue,” Ladapo said. 

The Florida Department of Health said it “proactively” contacted retailers to warn them about the facility closing and to suggest ordering alternatives. 

“​​While we found alternative products in an effort to off-set the shortage caused by the FDA’s lack of oversight, the cost of these alternatives remains high, and the availability is low,” Ladapo said. 

The White House said the baby formula shortage is the “top priority” for the Biden administration. However, the White House is reportedly struggling to answer questions about the shortage and what parents should do if they cannot find formula to feed their children. 
The supply of baby formula has dropped 40% since April.