Amid baby formula shortage, recall, SD Department of Health issues infant feeding guidance

PIERRE — Amid a severe baby formula shortage plaguing the United States, a Michigan manufacturer's product recall has prompted the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) to issue guidance for parents of young children to remember when trying to keep their children fed.

Abbott Laboratories voluntarily issued a recall of powdered formulas including Similac Advance, Similac Total Comfort, Similac for Spit-Up, Similac Sensitive, Similac Alimentum, Similac EleCare and Similac PM 60/40 that were manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan.

To ensure infants are fed safely, the DOH is encouraging parents and caregivers to consider the following:

• Call the HelpLine Center at 211 to locate food distribution sites in your area that may have formula.
• Unless your baby is on a specialized formula for medical needs, consider using a different formula brand, including store brand.
• To increase breast milk supply contact your local  Community Health Offices - SD Dept. of Health  and work with a breastfeeding expert. 
• Learn about  choosing an infant formula  that’s safe for your baby. 
• Do not feed your baby cow’s milk, goat's milk or other non-dairy milk until 1 year old, unless approved by your child’s pediatrician. These do not provide adequate nutrition for infants. 
• Do not make homemade infant formula or watered-down formula. There are  serious health and safety  concerns. 
• Do not buy formula online that comes from outside the U.S., which could be  counterfeit.  National efforts are underway to secure safe, imported formula for U.S. retailers.
• Pay close attention to online retailers if purchasing formula. Make sure they are a  legitimate, safe source and a verified seller of formula, especially with a possible increase of online scammers. 
• Talk to your pediatrician about introducing complementary foods at 6 months or when showing signs of readiness. 
• Purchase only the formula you need and do not stockpile. This will help make sure others have access to formula for their infants and allow manufacturers and retailers time to restock shelves.  

The DOH said they continue to work with WIC nutrition program participants to ensure access to safe formula alternatives as a result of the national formula shortage.
More information about the Abbott formula recall, temporary alternative formula options and ways to ensure infants are fed safely are available at sdwic.org/news .