Department of Health gives advice on finding baby formula amid shortage - Daily Advertiser

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Louisiana parents, along with parents across the country, are facing significant shortages of baby formula brought on by supply chain issues and recalls, but the Louisiana Department of Health has some tips for getting appropriate substitutions.

LDH has said families across the state have reported issues finding baby formula, following a national trend of shortages. The shortages have largely been the result of supply chain disruptions — a lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic — and a recall of several Similac, Alimentum and Elecare products.

"We understand the frustration families are feeling if they're not able to find a brand their baby has become accustomed to, but it is very important that we focus during this shortage on keeping babies well-fed with appropriate substitutes," said Jennifer Nicklas, the director of LDH's Bureau of Nutrition Services, in a press release. "Families should not substitute cow's milk, goat's milk or plant-based milk for infant formula, or water their formula down. Families with questions about other substitutes should contact their pediatrician."

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The baby formula recall was issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after four babies developed bacterial infections after consuming formula. The four cases were in Minnesota, Texas and Ohio from September 2021 to January 2022. There have been no reported infections in Louisiana, according to LDH.

The full list of recalled powdered formula products includes:

• Abbott Similac 360 Total Care Infant Formula with Iron 
• Abbott Similac Advance
• Abbott Similac Advance Step-1
• Abbott Similac Advance Step-2 
• Abbott Similac Advance Infant Formula with Iron
• Abbott Similac Human Milk Fortifier
• Abbott Similac Organic
• Abbott Similac Organic with A2 Milk Infant Formula with Iron
• Abbott Similac Organic with A2 Milk Toddler Drink
• Abbott Similac Organic Toddler with A2 Milk Infant Formula with Iron
• Abbott Similac Pro-Advance
• Abbott Similac Pro-Advance Infant Formula with Iron
• Abbott Similac Pro-Sensitive Infant Formula with Iron
• Abbott Similac Pro-Total Comfort Infant Formula with Iron
• Abbott Similac Sensitive 
• Abbott Similac Sensitive Infant Formula with Iron
• Abbott Similac Sensitive Lactose Sensitivity
• Abbott Similac for Supplementation
• Abbott Similac For Spit Up Infant Formula with Iron
• Abbott Similac Total Comfort
• Abbott Similac Total Comfort Infant Formula with Iron
• Abbott Similac EleCare HMO
• Abbott Similac EleCare
• Abbott EleCare Similac Gold
• Abbott EleCare Similac
• Abbott Similac PM 60/40 - only lot code 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case)
• Abbott Infant Formula Powder 
• Abbott Similac Alimentum
• Abbott Similac Alimentum Allergies & Colic Hypoallergenic Infant Formula 
• Abbott Similac Alimentum with 2'-FL HMO
• Abbott Similac Alimentum Eye Q Plus
• Abbott Similac Alimentum HMO
• Abbott Alimentum HMO
• Abbott Similac Alimentum infant formula
• Abbott Similac Alimentum Infant Formula with Iron
• Abbott Similac Alimentum Toddler Drink
• Abbott EleCare 
• Abbott EleCare Amino Acid-Based Powder Infant Formula with Iron
• Abbott EleCare Infant Formula Unflavoured 
• Abbott EleCare Junior Vanilla
• Abbott EleCare Jr Similac Vanilla
• Abbott EleCare Jr Amino Acid-Based Nutrition Powder Unflavored
• Abbott EleCare Jr Amino Acid-Based Nutrition Powder Banana
• Abbott EleCare Jr Amino Acid-Based Nutrition Powder Chocolate
• Abbott EleCare Similac
• Abbott EleCare Similac Gold
• Abbott Similac EleCare HMO
• Abbott Similac EleCare
• EleCare LCP Hypoallergenic

Nicklas said families that are struggling to find the preferred brand of formula should turn to other brands, including store-branded products. She also said families should be cautious about choosing substitutes for their infants.

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Here are some tips from LDH on what to do about the shortage:

• For most babies, it is OK to switch between standard formula brands including generic store brand. For specialized formulas, talk with your pediatrician.
• Don't hoard: the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends buying no more than a 10-day to two-week supply of formula.
• Food pantries, charitable organizations, and local formula representatives may also be able to help. WIC clinics can help connect families to local food banks.
• Check smaller stores and drug stores and not just the big stores.
• Use store websites to search for formula products before you go to the store, and use the pickup option if it is available.
  • If you can, buy formula online from well-recognized retailers or pharmacies. Louisiana SNAP is accepted at the following retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Sam's Club Scan and Go, Sprouts Farmers Market.
  • For infants/children on WIC, visit the Louisiana WIC website for available substitutions. If you are using your WIC EBT card to purchase formula, you can find WIC-approved grocery stores here.
• Never water down formula to stretch it out – this can lead to babies not getting the nutrition they need.
• Never make homemade baby formula. This is not safe and the formula does not meet a baby's nutritional needs.
• Do not give your baby cow's milk, goat's milk, or plant-based milk. These can be low in protein and minerals and babies' digestive systems will not be able to tolerate them.
• When switching to appropriate formula substitutes, give your baby time to adjust to a new formula. It is normal for babies to be fussy or gassy at first.
• Check formula cans for expiration dates and dents or punctures. Do not purchase the formula if it is expired or if the can is damaged