NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency on Sunday in an attempt to address the nationwide baby formula shortage.
The emergency executive order empowers the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to crack down on formula price gouging and gives a broad mandate to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Department of Social Services and the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy to “take all appropriate and necessary steps to preserve public health.”
“The nationwide infant formula shortage has caused unimaginable pain and anxiety for families across New York — and we must act with urgency,” said Adams. “This emergency executive order will help us to crack down on any retailer looking to capitalize on this crisis by jacking up prices on this essential good. Our message to struggling mothers and families is simple: Our city will do everything in its power to assist you during this challenging period.”
The shortage was brought about by Abbott Nutrition, one of the three manufacturers that control about 90% of formula production in the United States. Abbott controls 48% of the market.
Abbott maintained poor sanitation standards at its factory in Michigan, which caused a batch of Similac baby formula to be contaminated with potentially lethal bacteria.
Because the government has allowed Abbott to take up such a large share of the market, the recall brought about by the company’s negligence devastated the nation’s supply of baby formula and threw families into crisis.
About 43% of retailers in the Tri-State area are out of baby formula, according to the mayor’s office.
The state of emergency will last 30 days, but it can be extended if the mayor deems it necessary.
New Yorkers can file price gouging complaints online or by calling 311.
Local efforts will supplement a national push to end the crisis.
Joe Biden invoked the Defense Production Act on Wednesday to force suppliers to prioritize formula production.
The U.S. is also importing formula from abroad.
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