DPH Urges Parents to Talk to Their Pediatricians for Guidance During Baby Formula Shortage

Posted on May 18, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 17, 2022
CONTACT: nancy.nydam@dph.ga.gov

Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging parents unable to find baby
formula typically used for their child to contact their pediatrician about appropriate nutritional and
safe feeding alternatives. Georgia WIC is working with WIC agencies statewide, local grocers and
retailers, and formula manufacturers to help locate formula for clients, especially those in need of
specialized formula.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is offering guidance for parents that are having
difficulty finding baby formula:

• Watering down baby formula is dangerous and can cause nutritional imbalances that may
lead to serious health problems. Always mix formula as directed by the manufacturer.
• Homemade baby formulas are not advised. While recipes may seem healthy, they are not
safe and do not meet your baby’s nutritional needs.
• Buy baby formula online but only from well-recognized distributors and pharmacies.
• Be leery of ads on social media. You can check out a company’s reputation through the
Better Business Bureau (BBB) at www.bbb.org.
• Do not use imported formulas from other countries that are not reviewed by the FDA.
• Only prepare the amount of formula you will use – throw out any infant formula that is left in
the bottle after feeding your baby.
• It is recommended that during the shortage you buy no more than a 10-day to two-week
supply of formula.

For a complete list of AAP guidance and tips for finding formula during the shortage, visit
healthychildren.org. Parents should not hesitate to talk to their pediatrician with any concerns
about their baby’s health and nutrition.

WIC clients who need help finding formula or who have questions should contact their local WIC
office or call 1-800-228-9173.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is warning Georgia consumers to beware of price gouging
and other scams in response to the nationwide baby formula shortage. Consumers can report
scams and suspected price gouging to the Consumer Protection Division (CPD) by calling 404-
651-8600 or 1-800-869-1123. Georgians can also file a complaint online by visiting CPD’s website.
DPH will continue to monitor all information coming from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) and formula manufacturers regarding the shortage and work to ensure Georgia babies
have access to food and nutrition they need to grow healthy and strong.