Health Canada provides update on supply of infant formula in Canada
by CM staff
To alleviate the lack of certain infant formulas, Health Canada is working with manufacturers to increase the supply of formulas normally found on the Canadian market and to identify alternate products that can be imported from other countries.
OTTAWA — Health Canada shares that the shortage of hypoallergenic infant formula has largely subsided, the supply has been relatively stable, and needs are being met. While the total national supply of regular infant formula remains sufficient at this time, Health Canada is aware of concerns about finding store-brand or lower-cost infant formulas.
To alleviate the lack of certain infant formulas, Health Canada is working with manufacturers to increase the supply of formulas normally found on the Canadian market and to identify alternate products that can be imported from other countries.
The Department has published an interim policy, which has been extended until December 31, to facilitate the importation of equivalent infant formulas from other countries that have high quality and manufacturing standards similar to Canada. More than 70 products, including nine regular infant formulas have been authorized over the past year for temporary importation under this policy, and the list of products eligible for importation continues to be updated regularly.
On March 18, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a recall of three lots of Nestlé® Good Start Soothe, a regular powdered infant formula, due to the potential presence of Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria. The product is being recalled as a precautionary measure. No illnesses have been reported in Canada or in the United States where the same product was distributed. Most of the Canadian recalled product is still in the manufacturer’s warehouse and had not yet made its way to store shelves. No other Nestlé® Good Start products in Canada are affected by this recall, and other batches of the infant formula continue to be safe and available across the country, although in smaller quantities.
Health Canada estimates that the recalled product represents a very small proportion of the Canadian powdered infant formula market. To address the potential impact of the recall, the Department has contacted other manufacturers to inform them of the recall and secure more products.
