The administration is working to increase production of baby formula, as well as import it from abroad.

For several months, the United States has been suffering a severe shortage in baby formula products, one that has particularly worsened in the last several weeks. This is due primarily to the temporary closure of several major formula production plants around the country, as well as ongoing supply chain issues. In an effort to ensure the flow of formula to the families that need it, the Biden Administration announced two points of action.

Firstly, President Biden has officially invoked the Defense Production Act, allowing government officials to assert more direct control over production in times of emergency. The FDA has already struck a deal with Abbott Nutrition to reopen one of the closed plants, though completing the safety check could take at least two weeks.

Secondly, Biden announced a joint venture between the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Defense known as “Operation Fly Formula.” This joint operation will utilize resources from all three departments to import formula supplies from outside the country.

“Bypassing regular air freighting routes will speed up the importation and distribution of formula and serve as an immediate support as manufacturers continue to ramp up production,” the White House explained in a statement.

Biden also sent a direct letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra requesting that they “work expeditiously to identify any and all avenues to speed the importation of safe infant formula into the United States and onto store shelves.”

“I further request that over the next week you work with the Department of Defense to utilize contracted aircraft to accelerate the arrival of infant formula into the United States that meets our Government’s health and safety standards. This will ensure that we are using every available tool to get American families swift access to the infant formula they need.”