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Why is there a shortage? Long-term economic pressures collided with a sudden supply shock. The long-term issues stem from the pandemic, which disrupted supply chains of myriad products -- including ingredients used in baby formula -- and caused labor shortages that are vexing many industries.

If you run out of formula and can't find any, in a pinch you can give oral rehydration solution (such as Pedialyte, Enfalyte, or a store brand) for a couple of days. Babies older than 4 to 6 months can also get pureed (finely ground) foods.

Breadcrumb. On Feb. 17, 2022, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of certain Abbott powder infant formula and exempt infant formula, which exacerbated existing supply chain issues resulting from the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The baby formula shortage isn't over and ending it may 'take a while' ? here's a timeline.

The shutdown of the Sturgis plant demonstrated the fragility of the formula market to supply shocks: formula prices increased by an average of 11 percent between March 2021 and May 2022 and shortages spiked to over 74 percent nationwide at the end of May 2022, with ten states having shortage levels of 90 percent or

The U.S. flew in millions of pounds of formula from Europe. Yet, a big issue that remains is Abbott Nutrition's production of baby formula. The company's Michigan factory, which closed in February over contamination, contributed to the national shortage. Production resumed earlier this month.

The initial cause of the formula shortage was COVID-19-related supply chain issues, with some sources, including The Atlantic and Popular Mechanics, identifying these as still being (as of mid-May) the leading cause. The shortage began in the early days of the pandemic, and worsened with subsequent labor shortages.

In February, the country's biggest infant formula maker, Abbott, recalled multiple products and halted production at one of its facilities in Michigan after bacteria was found at the site. As a result, formula products became more and more scarce. And months later, the country was in a full-blown crisis.

The US Food and Drug Administration commissioner said last week that formula production needs to continue at high levels for six to eight more weeks for supply to keep up with demand. Programs designed to help families affected by the shortage are being extended, too.

Drug dealers use baby formula to dilute the drugs they are selling so their supply can last longer and they can make more money. Stores have decided to keep formula locked away to avoid members of criminal rings from stealing it and using it as a drug additive.