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Back to SearchOTTAWA, June 21 – We know that many parents are very concerned about the global shortage of certain infant formulas resulting from the closure of a large manufacturing plant in the United States. In Canada, this has led to a shortage of specialized infant formulas designed for babies with food allergies and certain medical conditions.
The good news is that the U.S. plant re-opened on June 4 and infant formula will gradually become available in the coming months, starting with specialized infant formula. Health Canada is closely monitoring the availability of these specialized products.
Also on the good news side of things, there is no current shortage of regular infant formula in Canada. The shortage is limited to the supply of specialized formulas for infants with food allergies and certain medical conditions.
Here’s what parents and caregivers can do:
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Breastfeed your baby if you can.
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Don’t buy more infant formula than you need, especially hypoallergenic formula that babies with food allergies need.
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Keep specialized infant formulas for babies with allergies and medical conditions.
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Try a different brand of formula under the recommendation of your health-care provider (doctor, nurse practitioner, registered dietitian). It's normal for infants to take time to adjust to a new formula.
For more detailed information, tips, product lists and resources, visit Health Canada’s page on this topic.
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Media contact
media@cheo.on.ca
About CHEO
Dedicated to the best life for every child and youth, CHEO is a global leader in pediatric health care and research. Based in Ottawa, CHEO includes a hospital, children’s treatment centre, school and research institute, with satellite services located throughout Eastern Ontario. CHEO provides excellence in complex pediatric care, research and education. We are committed to partnering with families and the community to provide exceptional care — where, when and how it’s needed. CHEO is a partner of the Kids Come First Health Team, a network of partners in Eastern Ontario working to create a high quality, standardized and coordinated system for pediatric health care that is centred around children, youth and their families. Every year, CHEO helps more than 500,000 children and youth from Eastern Ontario, western Quebec, Nunavut and Northern Ontario.