In response to the 2022 infant formula shortages driven by recalls, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is set to publish a final rule to implement the Access to Baby Formula Act.
This legislation, signed into law by President Biden on May 21st, 2022, supports access to formula for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants during emergencies and supply chain disruptions.
The rule grants the Secretary of Agriculture expanded authority to waive or modify legal requirements, ensuring continuity of WIC services. Additionally, it mandates WIC state agencies to include language in their infant formula cost containment contracts, addressing recall flexibilities.
The rule emphasizes proactive measures to anticipate disruptions, with a 60-day public comment period, closing on February 12th, 2024.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
