Baby Formula Shortage: Mercer Co. Provides Resources, Guidance

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — The nationwide shortage of baby formula shows no signs of improvement. On Tuesday, New Jersey declared a state of emergency amid the ongoing shortage due to inflation, supply chain issues and recalls.

Families in Mercer County have been facing issues with formula shortages as well. On Thursday evening, Hamilton Township and Mercer County offered families guidance on navigating the shortage.

Families impacted by the shortage can contact these community resources:

• NJ 211: Call 211 or (877) 652-1148, Text your zip code to 898-211, visit https://www.nj211.org/resou.../taxonomy/BD-1800.8200-250/_/1
• Human Milk Bank: https://www.hmbana.org/find-a-milk-bank/
• Local Food Pantry: https://docs.google.com/.../1ifcoRiFGVWLtstl4603myQP.../edit
• WIC-Eligible Families: https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/wic/participants/find-wic/... or https://wic.nj.gov/participantportal

Manufacturer Hotlines:

• Gerber: www.gerber.com/mygerber-baby-expert
• Abbott: 1-800-986-8540 or https://abbottnutrition.com/metabolics
• Reckitt: 1-800 BABY-123 (222-9123)

Families who do find formula, should not buy more than a 10-day to 2-week supply, advises the American Academy of Pediatrics. Formula has a shelf life and should not be used past the “use buy” date indicated on the container. Moreover, stockpiling may further exacerbate shortages.

The OBGYN or pediatrician often have in-office samples or can suggest a similar formula that may be more readily available in stores and is nutritionally similar to the infant’s typical formula. So, calling them could also help.

Families are also advised not to switch to milk or milk alternatives or switch to toddler formula without discussing with the pediatrician. Infants under age 1 should generally not have cow’s milk, milk alternatives, or toddler formula.

Do not water down formula or make your own formula at home. Homemade infant formula recipes have not been evaluated by the FDA and may lack nutrients vital to the child’s growth.

This could also be a stressful time for many families and those in need of emotional support, can contact the Central Jersey Family Health Consortium which will then connect you with counseling services, virtual support groups, and other resources needed to care for mental health.

Meanwhile, the state has authorized all New Jersey departments and agencies to curb baby formula price gouging under the state of emergency, and are permitted to issue waivers, orders, directives, or emergency regulations as they see fit. Read More: Baby Formula Shortage Prompts NJ State Of Emergency: Murphy

Under the state of emergency, baby formula prices deemed excessive may also be considered illegal under the Consumer Fraud Act. Expired or unauthorized formula will also be continually investigated by the Division of Consumer Affairs, Murphy said.

"To any retailer who may try to take advantage of vulnerable families during this shortage, let me be clear that this reprehensible action will not be tolerated,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “And to any New Jerseyan affected by this shortage, rest assured that my administration will do everything in our power to ensure families have access to the formula they need."

Major chains are placing limits on the number of formula customers can purchase. Read More: Baby Formula Shortage In NJ: Major Stores Place Limits On Buying

In February, Abbott Nutrition voluntarily recalled three types of formula after four babies became sick after consuming the products. The recall included popular brands such as Similac, Alimentum and EleCare.

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