by Zara Lim
A significant recall in baby formula from a large distributing plant in Michigan has caused a nationwide shortage, leaving families distraught in searching for the most effective food source for newborns. The baby formula provides all required nutrients to newborns and toddlers whose parents choose not to breastfeed or cannot due to health complications. When lacking these nutrients, newborns are at risk for malnutrition and slow development, causing significant damage to their ability to thrive.
Parents of newborns have begun to ration their formula in hopes of savoring every last drop, refraining from embarking on a search for more. Though this shortage is detrimental to all babies nationwide, it is also damaging to children with metabolic issues; the formula is not only used for newborns; children with feeding tubes who suffer from different diseases rely heavily on it as their primary source of nutrition. Moreover, the sizable dependent audience on formulas has created even more concerns for society, creating significant competition between families to find efficient sources of procedures for their children.
As the shortage has become more prominent over the past few months, the government has begun to take action, with President Biden invoking a Defense Production Act on May 18th. This act ensures that formula manufacturers have all ingredients to produce the amount of formula to relieve the demand. Although, it may be a while before this formula is accessible to the public, sending parents into even more worry, and leaving their children malnutritioned and at risk for various diseases.
Comments