Sources: MendendezSenate.gov; FTC.Gov/ConsumerAlerts
Over the past few weeks, many of you have reached out have shared your concerns about the current baby formula shortage, so I wanted to take a minute today you give you an update on what we’re doing to solve it.
This crisis was caused, by concerns of possible contamination at a factory — one which produces a significant portion of the nation’s baby formula supply — to shut down operations while it investigated.
Earlier this week, I called on President Biden to develop a national strategy. I was pleased to see the President take decisive action this week by invoking the Defense Production Act to kickstart domestic production of baby formula, as well as speed up the import of formula from abroad.
I am glad that the Senate was able to quickly pass the Access to Baby Formula Act this week for low-income families who rely on the WIC program. Another bill to assist the FDA in getting more baby formula on store shelves has passed the House, but it faces an uncertain future in the Senate because it could be blocked.
You should start to see the results of our actions in your local grocery stores, and more help is on the way. During this difficult time, nothing is more important to me and my staff than the safety and well-being of every New Jersey family, especially those with newborns and small children feeling the brunt of this crisis.
In the meantime, the governor has posted a list of additional resources at NJ.Gov/BabyFormula to help parents of young children.
Scammers exploiting the high demand for baby formula have sunk to new lows: popping up online and tricking desperate parents and caregivers into paying steep prices for formula that never arrives.
Scammers may set up fake websites or profiles on social media platforms with product images and logos of well-known formula brands, all to make you think you’re buying products from the companies’ official websites. Before you order from an unfamiliar online store:
Know your rights. When you shop online, sellers are supposed to ship your order within the time stated in their ads, or within 30 days if no time is statd. If a seller can’t ship within the promised time, it has to give you a revised shipping date, with either the chance to either cancel your order for a full refund,or new shipping date.
Call your pediatrician to see if they have formula in stock. Pediatricians often get samples of different formulas and may be able to help. If you are a participant in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition assistance program, contact your local office to find formula.
If you suspect a scam, let us know about it at ReportFraud.FTC.Gov.