New York City Mayor Eric Adams has declared a state of emergency in relation to the infant formula supply shortage. The mayor signed the Emergency Executive Order 98 (EEO 98) which will empower the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to prevent formula price increases.
The effort comes as the United States grapples with a national shortage of infant formula, stemming from a voluntary recall and temporary closure of a facility by Abbott Nutrition, one of the nation’s largest formula providers.
“The nationwide infant formula shortage has caused unimaginable pain and anxiety for families across New York, and we must act urgently,” said Mayor Adams. “This emergency executive order will help us crack down on any retailer looking to capitalize on this crisis by raising prices on this essential commodity. Our message to struggling mothers and families is simple: our city will do everything in its power to help you through this challenging period.”
Nationally, more than 40 percent of large retailers do not carry formula stock, including 43 percent of retailers in the tri-state area, according to the most recent data estimates. Earlier this week, the US President invoked the Defense Production Act to direct formula ingredient suppliers to prioritize delivery to formula manufacturers. President Biden also announced the creation of Operation Fly Formulawhich directs the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture to import formula from abroad, as long as it meets US health and safety standards.
New Yorkers who are overcharged for formula can file a complaint with DCWP online at nyc.gov/dcwp or call 3-1-1 and say “overcharge“.
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