Baby formula shortage: Staunton parents express concern over formula shortage

STAUNTON — Amber Campbell said it's crazy that she can't find baby formula these days.

"I have a 10-month-old daughter and have such trouble finding the formula I need," she said. "It’s frustrating that they want you to just use whatever formula you can find."

She said her daughter needs sensitive formula, so it's been frustrating to have to switch products on her child. Every time she goes to the store she hopes to find the same formula because her daughter has a sensitive stomach.

The Staunton parent has had to switch formulas multiple times since she can't find the same one.

"Before I was buying one container, but now I buy two," she said. "I don’t want to prevent other parents from finding formula so I will not buy more than two no matter the size of the can."

Rennee Sprouse said every time she goes out to buy formula for her daughter, she has to look at eight different stores.

"I have had to change her formula three to four different times," she said. "Currently on the hunt for some now and it’s bare. So sad ... my heart breaks for the mamas and babies out there right now."

Haley Patton has also had to switch formula three times.

"It’s ridiculous, I can’t find my daughters formula," she said.

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The shortage started in November, according to an article by USA TODAY. It stems from a recall from baby formula producer Abbott.

Abbott announced it reached an agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to resume production at its plant in Michigan.

"Our number one priority is getting infants and families the high-quality formulas they need, and this is a major step toward re-opening our Sturgis facility so we can ease the nationwide formula shortage. We look forward to working with the FDA to quickly and safely re-open the facility," said Robert B. Ford, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott, in a release. "We know millions of parents and caregivers depend on us and we're deeply sorry that our voluntary recall worsened the nationwide formula shortage. We will work hard to re-earn the trust that moms, dads and caregivers have placed in our formulas for more than 50 years."

Once the FDA confirms the initial requirements for start-up have been met, Abbott could restart the site within two weeks, the release said. That means production of EleCare, Alimentum and metabolic formulas first and then begin production of Similac and other formulas, the release said.

Whenever the plant restarts, it will take six to eight weeks before products are on the shelves, the release said.

Laura Peters is the trending topics reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Or a good feature? You can reach reporter Laura Peters (she/her) at lpeters@newsleader.com. Follow her @peterslaura. Subscribe to The News Leader at newsleader.com.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Baby formula shortage: Staunton parents express concern over formula shortage