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How the State of Michigan Plans to Handle the Baby Formula Shortage

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Women, Infants, and Children Program, and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel banded together to ensure parents who need formula get the resources and support they need to provide for their babies.

“Today I spoke with Abbott leadership and offered support to help get production back on track,” said Gov. Whitmer. “I urge federal leaders to use every tool at their disposal to boost formula production. We’re tackling the shortage head-on in Michigan and working with our federal and private sector partners to fix supply logistics and ensure every baby has what they need.”

The Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team is committed to identifying and investigating any instances of price gouging related to the shortage.

“While we have not seen a significant influx of complaints thus far, my team will remain vigilant in ensuring this shortage isn’t compounded by illegal business practices that will only inflict additional harm on parents of infants right now,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “If you suspect instances of price gouging, please report it to our office so we can take appropriate action.”

Complaints can be filed through .

MDHHS has also released new guidance to help parents navigate the dos and don’ts as supply chain challenges and recalls resulted in limited supplies. They are as follows:

  • DOs:
    • Consider trying another brand of formula as most regular baby formulas are enough alike that most healthy babies can switch without problems.
    • Make sure babies are being fed an appropriate substitute if their usual formula is not available. All standard infant formulas for healthy babies meet the same FDA high standards for quality and nutrition.
  • DON’Ts:
    • Families should not feed their babies homemade formula
    • Families should not water down formulas to stretch them out

In response to the Abbott recall, Michigan has temporarily expanded access to alternate formula options that qualify for WIC assistance. This affects approximately 85% of formula-fed WIC participants.

The most up-to-date information on WIC’s response to the formula recall can be found .

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has set up a website to ensure Americans have accurate, up-to-date information about baby formula. To learn more, click .

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