U.S. baby formula shortage impacting Canadian families, experts say
While food experts report a baby formula shortage in the United States, some families in Waterloo Region say they've also had difficulties finding what they need.
According to Sylvain Charlebois, the Director at the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, there have been several product recalls along with a number of supply chain issues in the U.S.
“People are actually encouraged to call directly to the manufacturers. There are products out there, it’s just not reaching stores right now,” Charlebois said.
The shortage comes after formula manufacturer Abbott shut down one of its plants and recalled several brands of formula due to potential contamination that may have contributed to infant deaths.
Charlebois said Canadians haven’t been seeing the same kind of shortages as Americans but said recalled items won’t be available.
“If you’re looking for baby formula you probably will find some but it may not be the brand that you are accustomed to,” said Charlebois.
Danikka Frey, a Waterloo mother, said she stopped seeing the brand she used in February.
“It was terrible. It was terrifying. To think that maybe I wouldn’t be able to feed my son,” Frey said. “I spent hours one night driving all over town trying to find this formula.”
The organization SafelyFed Canada advocates for improved infant feeding policies. The group said they aren't seeing shortages, but supply chain disruptions may result in local deliveries being delayed, particularly for specialty products.
"Parents should know that they can use any brand so long as it is labeled 'infant formula', any product labeled for use from zero months (birth) can be used up to 12 months," said Michelle Branco with SafelyFed Canada.
Frey said she was forced to switch brands but it took some time for her baby to get used to the change.
“He was very uncomfortable, very gassy, really struggled with sleep,” said Frey.
SafelyFed suggested parents using specialty formulas or with specific health concerns, contact public health or their baby's doctor for advice.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Netanyahu acknowledges 'tragic mistake' after Rafah strike kills dozens of Palestinians
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that a "tragic mistake" had been made after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians and, according to local officials, killed at least 45 people.
Mike Tyson had medical issue on cross-country flight
Boxing legend Mike Tyson required medical attention after experiencing an 'ulcer flare up' toward the end of a cross-country flight Sunday, his representatives confirmed to the New York Post.
Why Canada's big grocery stores are under investigation
Amid mounting outrage over high grocery prices, a retail expert says there's a solution to fostering more competition in the country.
Arrests made in 'highly orchestrated' GTA auto theft operation: police
Peel Regional Police say they have arrested 16 suspects and issued arrest warrant for another 10 individuals in connection with an auto theft investigation carried out by a 'highly orchestrated criminal operation.'
Indigo Books & Music shareholders vote to approve privatization sale
Indigo Books & Music Inc. shareholders have voted to approve a deal that will see the retailer become a private company.
Cattle rustling comes to Quebec as police investigate suspected theft of entire herd
Quebec provincial police are investigating after an entire herd of about 75 cattle were allegedly stolen in the Eastern Townships region last week.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
Canada pledges visas for 5,000 Gaza residents related to Canadians
Canada said on Monday it would grant temporary visas to 5,000 Gaza residents under a special program for Canadians' relatives living in the war-torn enclave, a preparatory move in case they are able to leave in the future.
Henrique to play in Game 3 of Western Conference final; Hintz a game-time decision
Adam Henrique is set to join the action. Roope Hintz might be doing the same.