Something to Consider
What’s Behind the Baby Formula Shortage? BY GARY LATTA
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or months, the alarming U.S. baby formula shortage has had parents scrambling to find product on near empty shelves at stores. The meltdown of the infant formula industry has set in motion significant food industry, supply chain and political analysis explaining our dilemma to avoid future tragedies. Most industry observers agree as to the causes of the shortage. We will look at some of these issues and how dairy milk plays a part in the baby formula industry. Most baby food formula is made with cow’s milk that has been modified to simulate human breast milk. These formulas furnish the correct balance of nutrients and digestive properties for the infant. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization both recommend that mother’s milk is best for newborn babies. As the child gets older, or if the mother can’t breast feed, then fortified formula is the next best option. It is recommended that infants stay on formula for the first 12 months of life and then be weaned onto whole cow’s milk. According to pediatricians and parents, the top infant formula brands in the U.S. are Similac Pro-Advance, Enfamil NeuroPro and Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula. All are milk-based. Infant formulas undergo significant processing and addition of nutrients before they can be consumed. Cow’s milk contains relatively high concentrations of protein and minerals that can stress a baby’s system. Cow’s milk also lacks 18 • Northeast Dairy Foods Association, Inc.
the necessary amounts of iron, Vitamin C and other nutrients needed by infants. So, formula manufacturers meticulously add in and remove components to create their finished product. Obviously, the baby formula manufacturing industry is highly regulated. During the recent shortage, some parents have attempted to create their own formula or switch to cow’s milk earlier than recommended. Homemade is not a good idea. Today’s infant formula is a careful blend of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. These formulas are exceptionally regulated and in a constant state of development in search of a product that most closely resembles human milk. Dr. Hillary Bashaw, a pediatric scientist and professor at Emory University College of Medicine, points out that all formulas must be in the ranges allowed by federal law. There are minimum levels for 29 nutrients and maximum levels for nine others. The federal regulations were tightened because of the Infant Formula Act of 1980 and then updated in 1986. Numerous agencies and critics have come forward with their assessments of the U.S. baby formula industry. Nearly all acknowledge the causes of the problem and most agree on what needs to be done to fix it. Many regard the industry be an “oligopoly” with a few manufacturers creating very similar products in a marketplace that lacks vigorous competition. Investopedia describes an oligopoly as a market structure with a small number of firms, none of which can keep the others
