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By Liam Verster

Specialized Infant Formula

Specialized baby formula to be moved behind counter

Jun 17, 2022 | 1:13 PM

The B.C. Government is taking steps to protect the supply of specialized infant formulas.

The Ministry of Health has issued new guidelines asking pharmacies to keep these formulas behind the counter. The move is intended to preserve supply during the countrywide shortage of these formulas and ensure they are available for families that require them.

There is no shortage of regular infant formulas in B.C., though there is a shortage of specialized hypoallergenic infant formulas for babies with food allergies and certain medical conditions. This includes extensively hydrolyzed formulas and amino acid-based formulas.

The hypoallergenic formulas are being distributed exclusively to pharmacies until the supply stabilizes, and the Ministry of Health encourages people remain in contact with their pharmacy to ensure they have the formula.

The province said experts estimate that less than two per cent of infants actually need hypoallergenic formulas in B.C., and that some families may be able to switch to less specialized products in consultation with a health-care provider. British Columbians can speak with their infant’s health-care provider or call 811 to discuss their child’s needs with a registered dietitian, registered nurse or pharmacist.

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Parents and caregivers can also speak with a pharmacist in person to seek guidance on which formulas they require.

If a hypoallergenic infant formula is needed, families will be limited to purchasing seven to 10 days worth of supply.

British Columbians facing barriers in accessing pharmacies, such as people living in remote communities, can request an exemption to the limit from their pharmacist.

The shortage of the specialized formula is Canada-wide. It was caused by the interim closure of Abbott’s formula manufacturing plant in Michigan and a voluntary recall of certain formulas it produced. The facility reopened on June 4 and it’s expected that specialized infant formulas will gradually become more available in the near future.

Health Canada has also allowed certain infant formulas from other countries that meet the safety standards of Canadian products to be sold in Canada during the shortage.

The B.C. Ministry of Health’s guidelines on keeping specialized formula behind the counter will remain in place until the formula supply has stabilized.