Governor Murphy has signed Executive Order #296 declaring a state of emergency following concerns about a baby formula shortage.
With New Jersey families facing difficulties obtaining baby formula due to the ongoing national shortage, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 296 today declaring a State of Emergency in order to activate State price gouging laws, consistent with President Biden’s actions at the federal level. The order also coordinates relief efforts and enables State agencies to take any emergency measures necessary to protect families from issues arising from the baby formula shortage. The Department of Health also released guidance today for families facing challenges as a result of the shortage.
Office of the Governor | Governor Murphy Activates Price Gouging Laws & Outlines Steps Taken by the Administration to Address National Baby Formula Shortage (nj.gov)
For a copy of Executive Order No. 296, click here.
For DOH’s guidance for families impacted by the shortage, details on how to file a complaint with DCA about suspected price gouging or unfair business practices related to the sale of baby formula, and other information about the state’s efforts to address the national baby formula shortage, visit nj.gov/babyformula.
Hamilton Township posted resources on their Facebook page for those affected by the baby formula shortage. The information has been copy and pasted below. For the original Facebook post, click here.
Manufacturer Hotlines:
- Gerber: https://www.gerber.com/mygerber-baby-expert
- Reckitt: 1-800 BABY-123 (222-9123)
Community Resources:
- NJ 211: Call 211 or (877) 652-1148, Text your zip code to 898-211, visit https://www.nj211.org/resou…/taxonomy/BD-1800.8200-250/_/1
- Human Milk Bank: https://www.hmbana.org/find-a-milk-bank/
- WIC-Eligible Families: https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/wic/participants/find-wic/… or https://wic.nj.gov/participantportal/
General Guidance:
- Call your OBGYN or pediatrician to see if they have in-office samples or can suggest a similar formula that may be more readily available in stores and is nutritionally similar to your infant’s typical formula.
- American Academy of Pediatrics: https://healthychildren.org/…/Are-there-shortages-of…
DO NOT:
- Do not switch to milk or milk alternatives or switch to toddler formula without discussing with your pediatrician. Infants under one year of age should generally not have cow’s milk, milk alternatives, or toddler formula.
- Do not water down formula or make your own formula at home. Homemade infant formula recipes have not been evaluated by the FDA and may lack nutrients vital to an infant’s growth.
- Do not stockpile formula. We know you may be worried about your next supply, but all families need immediate access, and stockpiling may further exacerbate shortages. Further, formula has a shelf life and should not be used past the “use by” date indicated on the container.
Feeding your infant during this shortage can be stressful. If you are in need of emotional support, The Central Jersey Family Health Consortium can connect you with counseling services, virtual support groups, and other resources you may need to care for your mental health. https://cjfhc.org/