This week, Assemblywoman Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) introduced her first bill which aims to deal with the baby formula shortage.
Assembly Bill 228 will create a strategic stockpile of baby formula to help serve California residents during shortages while also creating an Infant Formula Advisory Committee to make recommendations on topics related to baby formula.
According to the Bill:
This bill would require the State Department of Public Health and the Office of Emergency Services, in coordination with other state agencies as appropriate, to, upon appropriation and as necessary, establish an infant formula stockpile. The bill would require the department to establish guidelines for the procurement, management, and distribution of infant formula, taking into account, among other things, the amount of each type of infant formula that would be required to meet shortages, as specified. The bill would also establish the Infant Formula Advisory Committee to make recommendations for the development of guidelines for the procurement, management, and distribution of infant formula, as specified.
According to a Reuters Report on December 2, 2022, they say Reckitt expects the US infant formula shortage to last until the spring. The shortage has been going on for nearly a year. Products had been pulled after complaints of bacterial infections which forced supermarkets to limit sales. The peak crisis occurred in May and June but have not yet returned to normal.
The CDC issued information regarding the baby formula shortage stating Due to supply chain issues and the recent recall of several infant formula products, infant formula shortages have been reported. They also offered tips. The page, however, has not been updated since July 6, 2022.
The new 11th Assembly District, is comprised of the cities of Vallejo, Benicia, Fairfield, Suisun City, Vacaville, Dixon, Rio Vista and Oakley. The District includes all of Solano County along with portions of Contra Costa and Sacramento counties.
