Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
“Our message to struggling mothers and families is simple: Our city will do everything in its power to assist you during this challenging period,” Mayor Adams said.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Mayor Eric Adams on Sunday signed an Emergency Executive Order declaring a state of emergency related to the shortage of supply in infant formula. The order will empower the City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to prevent price gouging for formula.
The effort comes as the nation grapples with a shortage of infant formula, stemming from a voluntary recall and temporary closure of a facility by Abbott Nutrition, one of the largest formula providers in the country.
“The nationwide infant formula shortage has caused unimaginable pain and anxiety for families across New York — and we must act with urgency,” said Adams. “This emergency executive order will help us to crack down on any retailer looking to capitalize on this crisis by jacking up prices on this essential good. Our message to struggling mothers and families is simple: Our city will do everything in its power to assist you during this challenging period.”
Photo Courtesy of Joanna Graham/Mayoral Photography Office
“As the national baby formula shortage is playing out locally, we are using the tools available to us to protect consumers and working families,” Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer said.
Nationwide, over 40 percent of large retailers are out of stock of formula, including 43 percent of retailers in the tristate area, according to the most recent data estimates.
“As the national baby formula shortage is playing out locally, we are using the tools available to us to protect consumers and working families,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “The actions we are taking with this emergency declaration and executive order sends a clear message to any unscrupulous actors that may try to take advantage of this situation: not in New York City.”
Last week, President Joe Biden invoked the Defense Production Act to direct suppliers of formula ingredients to prioritize delivery to the manufacturers of formula. Biden also announced the creation of Operation Fly Formula, which directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to import formula from abroad, provided it meets U.S. health and safety standards.
New Yorkers who are overcharged for formula can file a complaint with DCWP online at nyc.gov/dcwp or by calling 311 and saying “overcharge.”
