The baby food shortage in the United States continues to impact global supplies as many local parents worry about the impact this could have on Canadian markets.
While Canada hasn’t seen the same level of shortages yet, Jessica Cowling, owner and director of InnerWorks Counseling London, said the concern for local families is already there.
Continue reading:
The lack of baby food in Canada leads to panic buying
“That’s just one more thing that’s added to the list of all the other things that can be very worrying for new parents,” Cowling said.
InnerWorks Counseling London offers a variety of support programs including the Mother Reach support group which is made possible by a coalition of local authorities such as the Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU).
The story continues below the ad
According to Cowling, Mother Reach provides pregnant and new mothers with healthy coping and parenting strategies while promoting personal and family well-being.
“For 12 weeks, they will focus on essential skills in dealing with anxiety and depression, as well as support and education related to parenting and nurturing new baby relationships,” Cowling said. “But being concerned about the available infant formula and knowing what options there are for feeding a baby is really important.”
trending stories
-
Misinformation and conspiracy theories circulate following a Texas shooting
-
Ray Liotta dead: ‘Goodfellas’ actor dies aged 67
In February, manufacturing plants issued a massive safety recall for several major Abbott brands after the federal Food and Drug Administration confirmed that four infants developed bacterial infections after consuming the baby formula.
Two of the four infants died.
As a result of the recall, Abbott also closed its largest manufacturing facility in Sturgis, Michigan.
Continue reading:
Canada is facing a shortage of baby formula for infants with food allergies. Here’s what to do
American parents have to look for extra baby food because of the recent closure.
Canadian retailer Loblaw told Global News that a brand of baby formula was experiencing “supply issues” as a result of the recall. However, the company did not specify the brand.
Cowling said the biggest concern about the shortage is for babies who are on special diets due to allergies or sensitivities.
The story continues below the ad
“We always encourage parents to speak to their GP if they have concerns about when and how to feed their children,” Cowling said.
“The only thing I saw coming out of the States with this shortage was a lot of people sharing information online about how it was collected and made available to people and neighbors, which I think is wonderful.”
However, possible good news comes this week, as Abbott plans to reopen the Michigan plant within the next two weeks.
Sylvain Charlebois, director of the agrifood and analytics laboratories at Dalhousie University in Halifax, told Global News that supply problems in Canada should return to normal within a month if the facility reopens in less than two weeks.
– Featuring files from Global News’ Saba Aziz, Amy Judd and Kylie Stanton.
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
