US Administration launches new scheme to combat baby formula shortage

The White House has announced a new scheme to provide relief to parents struggling to get hold of baby formula. The program, known as “Operation Fly Formula”, will be run by FedEx. 

This much-needed assistance will aim to get as much baby formula onto store shelves in the shortest possible timeframe amid mass shortages. 

In recent months, major supply chain issues have caused ongoing shortages of formula. The out-of-stock rates for baby formula hit 31% last month, compared with 2%-8% last year. 

The FDA has been working to resolve the issue. The agency says that “We are doing everything in our power to ensure there is an adequate product available where and when they need it”. 

What is Operation Fly Formula?

The US Administration is currently working with FedEx to improve the supply of baby formula. FedEx it providing support with logistics and transportation. 

Long-haul pilots and express truck drivers have been called in, and the company delivered its first airlift of formula on Sunday, containing 114 pallets of Gerber Good Start Extensive HA that had been flown in from Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

“Our network was designed for missions like this – to move time-sensitive shipments safely and quickly,” said Gina Adams, Senior Vice President for Government and Regulatory Affairs at FedEx. 

She added, “The FedEx Express integrated air and ground network expedited the movement of baby formula from manufacturers overseas to the United States for distribution to retail locations and hospitals throughout the country.

We’re proud to be working with the U.S. government and our healthcare customers to help alleviate this crisis.”

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “Typically, the process to transport this product from Europe to the U.S. would take two weeks. 

Thanks to Operation Fly Formula, we cut that down to approximately three days. This is a testament of the president’s commitment to pulling every lever to get more infant formula onto the market.”