The FDA has issued an enforcement discretion policy regarding help for the
formula shortage problem. https://www.fda.gov/media/158476/download.
Formula manufacturing has been concentrated into a few players in the US
due to a strong infant formula and dairy lobby. Diversifying the
industry might help avert formula shortages turning into a crisis.

While there seem to be many short-term solutions being offered such as a
slew of infant formula bills being filed by legislators, I have not seen
long term suggestions or recommendations for averting this type of problem
from recurring. Issues like reducing the demand for infant formula by
addressing the challenges to breastfeeding. We keep telling parents to
breastfeed and then circumstances make it as hard as possible for them to
do so. We need a national paid family leave policy. The USDA spends about
$1 billion on formula every year instead of assuring that every WIC agency
has paid breastfeeding peer counselors and they have access for referrals
to IBCLCs when needed. We need more lactation personnel of all kinds
including more diversity and more personnel of color. The FDA needs to get
rid of the structure/function claim allowance on formula labels and
marketing materials to prevent consumer deception. The Federal Trade
Commision needs to enforce its own laws regarding deceptive and false and
misleading formula advertising.

Maybe our legislators need to hear from us to help steer their attention
towards better solutions.

Marsha walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome