The United States government announced on Friday that it is expanding its supply commitments with a purchase of 16.5 million infant formula bottles, sourced from Spain to bolster American stocks amid a historic shortage. These bottles, transporting nearly 500 000 kilograms of formula, will be made available for sale this month. The White House stated that shipments will be directed to airlines capable of moving the product into the United States under the current emergency program.
Two of the formulas secured for this initiative come from the Similac line and NeoSure, which is specifically designed for preterm and very low birth weight babies. The White House confirmed these selections as part of a broader effort to stabilize access for the most vulnerable infants.
This mission is part of Operation Fly Formula, a coordinated effort announced by President Biden in May to enable the Department of Defense to contract with commercial airlines for rapid international shipping of powdered infant formula. The plan aims to complement domestic production and restore normal distribution channels for families across the country.
The administration has also described steps to accelerate domestic manufacturing as a parallel track to address the shortage. A renewed emphasis on local production aligns with long standing priorities to ensure a steadier supply of essential dairy products for American households.
The push comes as powdered infant formula has become a critical concern for many families in several states. The shortage has followed global supply disruptions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing challenges in the manufacturing sector. A key factor has been the temporary shutdown of a major facility operated by Abbott in Sturgis, Michigan, which temporarily pulled products from shelves after a reported health issue affecting a small number of infants consuming the facility’s formula.
The Abbott plant resumed operations earlier in the month, though officials warn that it will take roughly two months before production levels return to prior norms. In the meantime, the government’s strategy seeks to bridge the gap through international sourcing and faster distribution to stores and families across the United States.
Experts note that this multi pronged approach reflects lessons learned from past supply disruptions and underscores the importance of maintaining a stable, diverse pipeline for essential nutrition products. The response is designed to support parents as they navigate a difficult period while domestic producers work to ramp up capacity and reliability.
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