FDA To Approve Import Of Over One Million Cans Of Infant Formula From Australia

Healthcare FDA To Approve Import Of Over One Million Cans Of Infant Formula From Australia Nina Shapiro Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Dispelling health myths, fads, exaggerations and misconceptions. May 27, 2022, 06:11pm EDT | Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 22: Airmen stand in the cargo bay of a U.

S. Air Force C-17 carrying 78,000 . .

. [+] lbs of Nestlé Health Science Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior formula from Europe at Indianapolis Airport on May 22, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The mission, known as Operation Fly Formula, is being executed to address an infant formula shortage caused by the closure of the United States largest formula manufacturing plant due to safety and contamination issues.

(Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) Getty Images In recent weeks, efforts from all over the world, including Europe and now Australia, have been in gear to help the United States emerge from the critical shortage of infant formula. Beginning back in February 2022 when a large manufacturing plant in Sturgis, Michigan had to close due to bacterial contamination leading to severe illness in several infants, coupled with severe restrictions in supply and transport, parents and caregivers are now at a point of desperation . The FDA first approved large shipments from European manufacturers, with 78,000 pounds of powdered infant formula arriving via Federal Express planes this past week.

The majority of these shipments will be distributed to hospitals with neonatal care units, where premature and critically ill newborns, infants and toddlers rely on meticulously prepared formula in order to sustain life. Newborn in ICU with nasogastric feeding tube. getty Today the FDA announced efforts to receive over one million cans of infant formula from the Australian company Aussie Bubs (Bubs Australia), in addition to this past week’s approval of Kendal Nutricare shipments from the United Kingdom.

FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M. D stated “Steps like the one the agency is taking today means more infant formula will be available to parents and caregivers in the weeks and months ahead.

We will not rest until our shelves are replete with safe and nutritious infant formula. ” The over one million cans of powdered formula will mean that close to 30 million 8-ounce bottles will be available in the U. S.

in the coming weeks. President Biden expressed his support and excitement with the news of the Australian formula hitting the states soon: MORE FOR YOU CDC: Salmonella Outbreak Has Left 279 Ill, 26 Hospitalized In 29 States Canadians End Up In ICU After Attending ‘Covid Party’ White House Mandates Pfizer Vaccines for Millions of Citizens . .

. Before the FDA Clinical or Safety Reviews Have Been Made Public Dr. Tanya Altmann , pediatrician and infant formula consultant for Aussie Bubs, stated “I am so excited that the FDA has given the green light to high quality international formula brands, like Bubs Australia, to help with the shortage.

No single company can solve this crisis alone, but each step brings us closer to collectively bringing relief to American families during these incredibly challenging times. ” In addition, she notes “I applaud the thorough process the FDA and White House Task Force went through to check the infant nutrition products, manufacturing processes and supply before recognizing Bubs Australia to be a safe. .

. They meet the nutrient-requirements of the US Infant Formula Act and are FDA-label compliant, which is very important to ensure we are allowing only high quality products into the United States. ” Sydney Skyline.

The Sydney Opera House small on the left side, Sydney Harbour Bridge in the middle. . .

. [+] Twilight Scenic Sydney Panorama. Sydney, Australia.

Canon 5DSR 50MPixel Panorama. getty The much needed arrival of sustenance for millions of infants and even some older children who rely on specific formula for their nutritional needs is a welcome bright spot in so much darkness we as a nation have experienced this week. Parents who have been unable to obtain enough formula for their infants have resorted to desperate measures, namely diluting formula with more water than is recommended, in efforts to make the formula last a bit longer.

While well-meaning, adding dilution is extremely dangerous, and can lead to electrolyte imbalance, intestinal issues, and even cardiac events. Several infants have been hospitalized due to use of over-diluted formula preparations. Another unsafe practice landing some babies in the hospital during this crisis has been the use of homemade formula, which may contain infectious microbes, and likely does not provide the delicate nutritional balance needed by young infants.

The FDA will continue to work to improve supply and availability in the coming weeks. These efforts combined with the potential for Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan, facility to reinstitute safe production in the near future will aid in mitigating the current shortage, and ideally prevent such events in the future. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn .

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