Rick Scott and Others Call Out FDA for Ignoring Baby Formula Applications

Over the summer, families were struggling to find baby formula as inflation and supply chain issues took over the nation. However, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) and others are calling out the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for not being proactive enough in terms of preventing another shortage. The Senators are alleging that the FDA has received new baby formula applications but are not approving enough to prevent another catastrophe, and in fact, ignoring the applications entirely.

“Under the enforcement discretion authorized by President Biden’s May Executive Orders to address the formula crisis, the FDA approved only 23 infant formula products, or base powder, from 10 unique manufacturers out of dozens of ex-U.S. based formula and milk companies that have applied for short-term FDA approval to provide infant formula to the U.S. marketplace,” wrote the Senators in a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf.

They would go on to mention that “The last application granted by FDA for enforcement discretion was August 10, over a month ago… it is unclear why the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has chosen to ignore so many applications for more manufacturers to market infant formula products for interstate commerce.”

Scott tweeted his thoughts personally concerning the baby formula crisis, stating that “Families shouldn’t have to worry” when it comes to feeding their infant.

“Families shouldn't have to worry whether or not formula will be on the shelves when they go to the store. I joined @RogerMarshallMD in demanding the @US_FDA stops ignoring baby formula applications and replenishes our infant formula supply.”

Alongside Rick Scott, the Senators who cosigned the letter included: Roger Marshall (R-KS), Shelley Capito (R-WV), John Boozman (R-AR), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Barrasso, M.D. (R-WY), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).