Biden says first shipments of baby
formula flying in from Europe this weekend
Send a link to a friend
[May 21, 2022]
(Reuters) - The first shipments of
infant formula from Europe to address a critical shortage in the United
States should begin arriving this weekend, President Joe Biden said on
Friday amid criticism of his administration's handling of the issue. |
![](../images/052122pics/news_j15.jpg)
Empty shelves show a shortage of baby formula at CVS in San Antonio,
Texas, U.S. May 10, 2022. REUTERS/Kaylee Greenlee Beal/File Photo |
Biden said on Twitter the initial military cargo plane flights
under "Operation Fly Formula" meant that "up to 1.5 million
bottles of safe Nestlé infant formula will be coming to U.S.
shelves as soon as possible."
A Feb. 17 recall by top baby formula maker Abbott Laboratories
during an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration has
created one of the most urgent food shortages in recent history
for U.S. families.
Biden this week said he was invoking the Defense Production Act
to increase supplies.
"The Secretary of Defense ordered today the first flights
supporting Operation Fly Formula. Due to the urgency of the
situation, these flights will comprise U.S. military aircraft
and will depart Ramstein Air Base in Germany this weekend,"
White House Communications Director Kate Berner said on Twitter.
"The flights will transport 132 pallets of Nestlé Health Science
Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior formula to Indianapolis, IN.
These formulas have been prioritized because they serve a
critical medical purpose and are in short supply in the US
because of the plant closure," Berner wrote.
Aptamil maker Danone SA has stepped up shipments of infant
formula from Europe to address a shortage in the United States,
according to U.S customs data and an analysis of ocean cargo
data by shipping consultancy Ocean Audit for Reuters.
(Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by William Mallard)
[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
![](column_spacer.png)
|
|
|