Baby Formula Purchases Limited In CA At These Stores

CALIFORNIA — A limited supply of baby formula nationwide caused by supply issues and recent recalls has prompted retailers across California to ration purchases.

In the Golden State, Walgreens, Target, Kroger and CVS began limiting purchases of baby formula amid shortages, the Wall Street Journal first reported.

One month ago, nearly 30 percent of baby formula products were out of stock across the U.S., according to research from Datasembly.

The issue is particularly dire since thousands of babies across the nation are fed with formula. Just 25 percent of infants born in 2017 were breastfed exclusively in their first six months, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A spokesperson from Walgreens — which has 586 stores in California — issued the following statement to Patch under the condition of anonymity.

"Due to increased demand and various supplier challenges, infant and toddler formulas are seeing constraint across the country. Similar to other retailers, we put into effect purchase limits of three per transaction on all infant and toddler formula to help improve inventory. We continue to work diligently with our supplier partners to best meet customer demands."

CVS — which has locations in 391 California cities — has also imposed a three item limit on baby formula purchases.

Ongoing issues plaguing the supply-chain are partly to blame, but the shortage also comes after Abbot Nutrition voluntarily recalled select batches of formula brands Similac, Alimentum and EleCare in February. The recall was expanded to include Similac PM 60/40.

In February, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also announced that it was investigating complaints of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infections linked to powdered infant formula produced from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan facility.

Among the cases, two infants died of illnesses from Cronobacter sakazakii, a rare and dangerous germ that is particularly deadly to infants.

In March, it was also announced a shareholder rights law firm is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty or violations of state law by leaders of Abbott Labs.