The U.S. should never have another baby formula shortage

Earlier this year, during the baby formula crisis, lawmakers introduced two versions of the Fixing Our Regulatory Mayhem Upsetting Little Americans Act. The “fixes” weren’t sufficient. But with that cheeky title, the bill’s authors were on to something.

Ensuring a severe shortage never happens again will require comprehensive improvements in infant formula safety regulation, manufacturing resilience and the diversity of the U.S. formula market itself.

Lawmakers and regulators have moved to tackle different facets of the shortage. But no single contributor to the crisis can be separated from the others. A more muscular and flexible regulatory approach is a precondition for a healthier, more competitive formula marketplace. And a diversified marketplace makes it easier for regulators to enforce safety measures without fear of causing downstream pain.