In 2022, the United States experienced a severe shortage of infant formula as a result of the 2021–2022 global supply chain crisis compounded by a large scale product recall after two babies allegedly died after consuming Abbott infant formula, import restrictions, and market concentration. Unlike other food products, infant formula often does not have an available and acceptable substitute as a source of nutrition for those who rely on it. In addition to infants, the formula recalls affected non-infant medical patients who require nasogastric feeding or have certain other conditions.
Bare formula shelves with purchase limit notice, at a Safeway store in Monroe, Washington, in January 2022
President Joe Biden invokes the Defense Production Act and launches Operation Fly Formula
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack meets the first shipment of baby formula transported from Europe by the military in Operation Fly Formula to Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 22, 2022.
Kathryn Christine Cammack is an American politician and political advisor serving as the U.S. representative for Florida's 3rd congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, Cammack previously served as deputy chief of staff to her predecessor, Representative Ted Yoho, who retired in 2020.
Cammack speaking at a Turning Point USA event in 2020
Kat Cammack at the Young Women's Leadership Summit 2022 in Grapevine, Texas