Baby formula shortage affects Nova Scotia families as stores limit purchases
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
The Canadian flag in the context of 'Freedom Convoy' and residential schools
In the wake of last year’s discoveries of unmarked graves at residential schools and the prominent displays of the Canadian flag during 'Freedom Convoy' protests, some Canadians are re-evaluating the meaning of the national symbol.

Celebrations, protests planned for Canada Day in Ottawa
Thousands of people converged on downtown Ottawa to celebrate Canada's 155th birthday, while police and city officials braced for possible protests against COVID-19 restrictions.
In Canada Day message, Trudeau says Canadian flag represents promise of a better life
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling on Canadians to recommit to the country’s values, including respect, hope and kindness, in his official Canada Day message.
'Not going to happen in our lifetime': First-time homebuyers share their struggles with purchasing a home
A recent survey shows nearly 50 per cent of Canadians who rent expect to do so forever. As rising interest and inflation rates contribute to a sense of pessimism among first-time homebuyers in Canada, some are sharing their struggles with purchasing their first house.
Russian missiles kill at least 21 in Ukraine's Odesa region
Russian missile attacks on residential areas killed at least 21 people early Friday near the Ukrainian port of Odesa, authorities reported, a day after the withdrawal of Moscow's forces from an island in the Black Sea seemed to ease the threat to the city.
Court rejects bid by AFN National Chief RoseAnne Archibald to overturn suspension
The Assembly of First Nations says an Ontario court has rejected a bid by National Chief RoseAnne Archibald to overturn her recent suspension.
Royal Canadian Navy relieves Pacific fleet ship commander for 'inappropriate conduct'
The Royal Canadian Navy says it has relieved the commanding officer of a warship in the Pacific Fleet.
Trump's vulnerabilities for 2024 presidential run mount after latest testimony
Stunning new revelations about former U.S. president Donald Trump's fight to overturn the 2020 election have exposed growing political vulnerabilities just as he eyes another presidential bid.
Lack of certification during pandemic fuelling lifeguard shortage, officials say
A lack of programs to certify lifeguards amid the COVID-19 pandemic is contributing to the industry-wide shortage seen in Canada, a Toronto city official says.