The stock depletion rate for baby adapters ranged between 2% and 8% in the first half of 2021, but began to rise sharply last July. Between November 2021 and early April 2022, the stock depletion rate jumped to 31%, according to Datasembly.
This percentage has increased by another 9% in the last two weeks alone and is now 40%, statistics show. In six states – Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Missouri, Texas and Tennessee – more than half of the baby formula was completely sold out in the week beginning April 24, Datasembly reported.
And although seven states had between 40-50% of baby formula products depleted since early April, 26 states are now struggling with supplies.
“This problem is compounded by supply chain problems, product withdrawals and historic inflation,” said Datasembly CEO Ben Reich. “Unfortunately, given the unprecedented variability of the category, we expect the baby formula to continue to be one of the most affected products on the market.”
CVS confirmed on Saturday that it limits customers across the country to three foods for young children and infants per transaction. “We continue to work diligently with our supplier partners to best meet customer requirements,” CVS told CNN Business.
A Target spokesman confirmed that the retailer had limited purchases of baby formula to four units per customer for online purchases. There is no limit to the number of items that can be purchased in person at Target stores, the company said.
Customers shared images of Walmart on social media, imposing similar restrictions on sales of baby adapters, although Walmart has not confirmed whether this is a national policy. Images shared with CNN Business show empty shelves where baby milk should be, and a sign saying only five units per customer are allowed.
Walmart did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNN Business.
The shortage is exacerbated by the Food and Drug Administration’s closure of an Abbott Nutrition facility in Sturgis, Michigan. Abbott is a major manufacturer of baby formula.
In February, the US Food and Drug Administration withdrew three brands of baby formulas produced by the company due to potential bacterial infections, including Salmonella. The agency advised parents not to buy or use certain batches of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare for infants powder, all Abbott brands. A former Abbott Nutrition employee filed a complaint with the FDA months before the withdrawal, citing concerns that the company was hiding safety issues at its Sturgis, Michigan plant. The food produced at the facility was withdrawn after four babies who drank it contracted a rare infection caused by the bacterium Cronobacter sakazakii. Two babies have died, the complaint said.
A Abbott spokesman noted that the withdrawal only affected batches of formulas produced and distributed by its facility in Sturgess, Michigan, and said no other product Abbott was distributing had tested positive for salmonella or other pathogens.
Finding a standard formula has become difficult for parents, many of whom have described the unusual lengths they have taken to insert even a box or bottle. A specialized formula is even more difficult to find against the background of widespread shortages. Parents travel to neighboring states to try their luck, and many ask for help on social media, begging strangers to share or even exchange any additional supplies they may have.
Abbott told CNN in a statement Saturday that he was working closely with the FDA to resume operations at his Michigan plant.
“We continue to make progress on corrective action and will take further action as we work to address issues related to the recent withdrawal. In the meantime, we are working to increase the supply of infant formula by prioritizing infant food production at our facilities that make the product available in the United States, “Abbott told CNN Business.
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