An infant formula manufacturing plant in the United States (who made Similac Alimentum formula) has closed and resulted in a global shortage of infant formula.
In Canada, there is a shortage of infant formulas designed for babies with food allergies and certain medical conditions. Similac Alimentum is a hypoallergenic infant formula given to babies with food allergies and colic and to those with lactose sensitivity.
Health Canada says it is doing everything it can to mitigate the situation to provide parents with safe and healthy alternatives. They have published an interim policy to recommend the importation of equivalent and safe infant formulas that have been approved by a foreign regulatory authority or are allowed to be sold in foreign jurisdictions that have high quality and manufacturing standards similar to Canada. The interim policy includes a list of products eligible for this policy that is updated regularly. Those other manufacturers have increased their production to quickly provide alternative products and Abbott is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to safely resume production at its facility in the near term.
What you should do
- Speak to a health care professional, such as your doctor or pharmacist, to discuss your baby’s needs and possible alternative products and how to transition them into your infant’s diet.
- If you are combining bottle-feeding and breastfeeding, try to maintain your breastmilk supply and consult your health care professional if you need advice on an allergen free diet.
- Do not attempt to make homemade infant formula as it can put your baby’s health at risk. Commercial infant formula contains many important nutrients that cannot be created at home.
- Do not use other substitutes such as cow’s milk, goat’s milk, evaporated milk, soy or rice beverages as they are not nutritionally complete.
- Do not acquire infant formula or breastmilk from unknown sources, such as online groups or third parties.
- When purchasing infant formula, reserve specialty infant formulas for those with medical conditions requiring these ones and avoid buying large amounts.
