Baby formula shortage affects Nova Scotia families as stores limit purchases
A baby formula shortage in the United States is starting to affect Nova Scotia families as well.
Many stores are limiting the number of containers that can be purchased by a customer to counter the shortage, which means more frequent and costly trips to the store for parents.
“I’ve noticed that you’re only allowed two cases of milk per household because of the shortage that we’re dealing with here right now,” says parent Miranda Bundy.
That limit means Bundy has to load her baby and stroller into her car more often.
“I normally buy at least three to four cases just so I could have it on hand,” says Bundy.
Sarah Kelly is in the same situation -- sort of. She has very hungry six-month-old triplets.
“Basically I just send out people I know to go to Costco and get as many as they are allowed. Two cans of formula doesn’t really make it very far when you have triplets. It only lasts about two days at the most,” Kelly says.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the formula shortage Tuesday, saying the supply of regular formula should be fine, but there could be challenges around specialized formulas for vulnerable children.
“We are confident that the work that we’re doing to secure supply from elsewhere and to ensure that Canadians have those options is going to be fine,” Trudeau said.
In February, food safety issues forced the closure of the Michigan plant that supplies much of the special formula, which has caused a ripple effect across the board.
According to industry experts, there is a baby formula manufacturing plant in Kingston, Ont., but it’s foreign-owned and all of what it produces is shipped overseas.
“All of that production is actually intended for China in particular. That has been a bit of a head-scratcher to be honest because all of a sudden we are short,” says food industry expert Sylvain Charlebois.
He says the Abbott formula plant in Michigan could reopen in just a couple weeks. Then it would take four to six weeks to once again stabilize the supply.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Tips to make a house or apartment safe and accessible for older adults living at home
Here's a summary of tips from the U.S. National Institute on Aging and AARP, which offers a free room-by-room guide with practical suggestions for older adults living independently.
Here are some gardening questions, answers
When it comes to gardening, a lot of questions come up, including the best way to keep pets away from plants, maintaining your lawn and keeping the dandelions at bay.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.