US baby formula shortage could last for some time
The nationwide shortage of baby formula in the United States could last for some time, a top White House economic adviser cautioned.
The problem "is not going to solve itself in a day or week," Brian Deese said.
US families have grown increasingly desperate for formula amid a perfect storm of supply issues compounded by a massive recall.
While he would not offer a specific timeline, Deese said, "We are looking at every possible angle that we can to try to address this issue."
The average out-of-stock rate for baby formula last week hit 43 percent, according to Datasembly, which collected information from more than 11,000 retailers.
The scarcity initially was caused by supply chain problems and labour shortages, but the problem has been worsening since February 17 when manufacturer Abbott announced a "voluntary recall" for formula made at its factory in Michigan after the death of two infants.
That recall included Similac, a brand used by millions of American families.
A subsequent investigation cleared the formula, but production has yet to resume.
"We've got to see how this progresses in real time," Deese said.
It is the latest crisis to confound President Joe Biden's push to get the US economy on sound footing amid the highest inflation in four decades and the ongoing global supply chain bottlenecks.
