FDA to Allow Import of 1.3M Cans of Gerber Baby Formula Starting in July

By Will Feuer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it is allowing the importation of about 1.3 million cans of Gerber Good Start Gentle baby formula from Mexico, with delivery expected to begin in July.

Government officials and formula manufacturers are working to address a nationwide shortage that in recent months has resulted in empty shelves at some stores. Causes for the shortage include pandemic-related supply-chain snarls, a February recall by Abbott, as well as the closing of one of its factories.

The FDA said Friday the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is evaluating options for getting the 1.3 million cans of Gerber formula to the U.S. as quickly as possible. Gerber is owned by Nestlé SA.

The FDA added that it is also looking elsewhere to bolster the supply of formula. It said it is in discussions with manufacturers and suppliers regarding additional supply.

"The FDA will continue to dedicate all available resources to help ensure that safe and nutritious infant formula products remain available for use in the U.S. and will keep the public informed of progress updates," the agency said.

Write to Will Feuer at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 03, 2022 12:11 ET (16:11 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2022 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.