Tips for parents facing the formula shortage

Canada has a shortage of baby formula for children who have severe food allergies and medical conditions, Health Canada says.

The federal health agency is offering guidance and information to families who may be affected.

Abbott Laboratories in the United States, one of the largest manufacturers of infant formula, halted production at its Michigan plant following a massive recall triggered by four babies who suffered bacterial infections and had to be hospitalized after consuming the formula.

There are currently two types of formula for babies with food allergies, and Health Canada says that in some provinces, demand is far greater than supply.

The two types of formulas are extensively hydrolyzed infant formulas and amino acid-based formulas. The shortage of extensively hydrolyzed formulations has put pressure on an already-limited supply of amino-acid based formulas, says Health Canada.

“Amino acid-based formulas are critical for babies who are at risk of very serious allergic (anaphylactic) reactions,” says the health agency, adding, “It is therefore critical that consumption of these products be facilitated by doctors only to babies who require them.”

How Canada is reacting

“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,” according to guidance from Health Canada on Thursday.

Shortages of certain formulas have led people in some provinces to start panic-buying and stockpiling. To help mitigate shortages, Health Canada issued an interim policy recommending importing of “equivalent and safe” infant formulas that have regulatory approval in other countries and have the same quality and manufacturing standards as Canada.

The list of products approved under this policy is being updated weekly. The agency is recommending this temporary allowance continue until June 30, and says it will consider other options to address formula shortages beyond that date if an extension is required.

What should families do?

■ Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss your baby’s situation and ask for possible alternatives to meet your child’s nutritional needs..

■ Try to maintain your breast-milk supply, says Health Canada, and seek advice from your doctor to stay on an allergen-free diet if you’re both bottle and breastfeeding.

■ Don’t try to make your own formula, it can put your baby’s health at risk, says the health agency. Commercially produced infant formula has nutrients and ingredients that can’t be replicated at home.

■ Don’t substitute formula with other types of milk like cow, goat, evaporated, soy or rice beverages, says Health Canada, as they don’t offer the nutrition your baby needs.

■ Don’t buy baby formula or breastmilk from “unknown sources” like third party or online groups.

■ Try not to overbuy and avoid buying in large volume. Try to leave specialty infant formulas for children who have medical conditions that need them.