Health Canada acknowledged that the country is experiencing a shortage of infant formulas designed for babies with food allergies and certain medical conditions.."This can be a distressing situation for parents and Health Canada is doing everything it can to mitigate the situation to provide parents with safe and healthy alternatives," they said on May 19..Health Canada said the shortages are due to the the closure of a large infant formula manufacturing plant by Abbott Laboratories in the United States. The factory was closed in February after reports of four infants contracting serious bacterial infections..The FDA said today that they plan to reopen the plant "within one or two weeks." But FDA commissioner Robert Califf said the U.S. has about a 40% shortage of baby food right now, and it will take several more weeks for the shelves to be restocked once the factory reopens..With a shortage of extensively hydrolyzed formulations, Health Canada says additional pressure is being put on the limited supply of amino-acid based formulas, which are critical for babies who at risk of anaphylactic reactions.."It is therefore critical that consumption of these products be facilitated by doctors only to babies who require them," they said..Health Canada said they are monitoring the supply situation and working with manufacturers to import products from alternative suppliers..In response to the shortages, Health Canada recommends parents speak to their health care professionals to discuss their baby's needs and possible alternative products..They also recommend against making homemade formula, using other milk substitutes or acquiring infant formula or breastmilk from "unknown sources."."If additional safety or supply information is identified, Health Canada will take appropriate action and inform Canadians as needed," they said.
