32 Tons of Infant Formula Loaded on Military Aircraft Arrive in the US... Accelerating Resolution of the 'Formula Shortage' Crisis

On the 22nd, pallets of powdered milk are being unloaded at Indianapolis International Airport in Indiana. (Source=Bloomberg)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] A military aircraft carrying 70,000 pounds (approximately 31.75 tons) of infant formula has arrived in the United States, which is experiencing a severe shortage of formula due to supply chain issues caused by COVID-19 and the Ukraine war, as well as a recall crisis from a major supplier. This comes as U.S. President Joe Biden has invoked the Defense Production Act to direct the production and procurement of infant formula, taking strong measures in response.

According to Bloomberg on the 22nd (local time), Brian Deese, White House Chief Economic Advisor, stated on CNN's State of the Union, "More infant formula will start arriving in stores this week." Regarding the formula loaded on the military aircraft that arrived at Indianapolis Airport in Indiana on the same day, he explained, "It will supply about 15% of the nationwide demand currently needed." President Biden posted on his social media, "We are working around the clock to safely provide infant formula to everyone who needs it."

With both the Republican and Democratic parties demanding bipartisan solutions, President Biden personally invoked the Defense Production Act to direct production and procurement. Especially as parents worried about supply issues began hoarding formula, a more proactive response was initiated.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Defense Production Act is a law that allows the president to directly intervene in the manufacturing and distribution of goods by companies during crisis situations. It was established during the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950 to supply strategic materials. It has mainly been invoked for national security issues, and former U.S. President Donald Trump also used this law to supply medical materials during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The nationwide infant formula shortage in the U.S. intensified after four infants were infected with bacteria after consuming products from Abbott, the largest formula manufacturer in the country, on February 4th. The company chose to voluntarily recall products and shut down its factory. The U.S. Congress also took bipartisan action to resolve the issue. Both Republicans and Democrats passed the "Infant Formula Act," which allows formula manufacturers to supply formula through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and prepare for future shortages.

Meanwhile, parents who could not obtain formula resorted to making formula themselves using methods learned online. Medical experts have warned that homemade formula can pose serious health risks.