Washington, D.C.  (WTNH) – The baby formula shortage is at crisis levels, according to federal leaders who are now calling on immediate action.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, the Diaper Bank of Connecticut, and local families in Washington D.C. at 9:30 A.M to demand swift action to address the concerning shortage of baby formula.

The Diaper Bank of Connecticut says there are people across the state who have difficulty accessing baby formula.

“This can of Similac, which was available on eBay at $30 is now at $80,” Blumenthal said.

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro wrote two letters to the Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission urging an urgent solution to the shortage.

The letter to the FDA presses the agency for answers on what steps are being taken to both alleviate the shortage and get safe formula in the hands of families who are reliant on it.

Blumenthal to the FTC pressing the commission to investigate reports on price gouging and scams that exploit the scarcity of formula. Several incidents of price gouging have been reported in the state. Rep. DeLauro signed onto both letters to the FDA and FTC.

“We’ll introduce legislation this week which will call for requirements and new authorities for the Food and Drug Administration,” DeLauro said.

The shortage was caused by both a recall from a major producer’s plant as well as global supply chain issues dropping the supply of formula to alarmingly low levels.

“We’re making for action right away. It can be done without legislation, to speed manufacturing, to move product, to reopening the Abbott facility,” Blumenthal said.

An estimated three out of four babies use formula in the first months of life.