Shortage of specialized infant formula to continue through summer, Health Canada says
Posted July 1, 2022 11:24 am.
Last Updated July 2, 2022 2:08 pm.
Health Canada says the nationwide shortage of specialized baby formula will continue throughout the summer.
The federal department says shipments of specialized formulas are expected to be available in pharmacies starting the first week of July, but supplies will continue to be limited.
The affected formulas are intended for infants with food allergies and some medical conditions.
Health Canada says there is no shortage of regular formulas in Canada.
RELATED: The ongoing effort to get specialized formula to Canada’s most vulnerable babies
The shortage comes after a massive recall of contaminated formula in February led to the shutdown of Abbott Nutrition’s Michigan plant, where the formula had been produced.
Abbott Nutrition makes the popular Similac and Alimentum formula brands.
The facility supplied many powdered infant formulas in the U.S., Canada and many other countries. Its closure has worsened a global shortage of infant formula.
On June 4, the plant was re-opened but was forced to close again on June 15 due to damage caused by a severe storm.
Health Canada says infant formula will gradually become available in the coming months, starting with specialized formula.
