A baby-formula shortage feeds criticism of corporate heft and price gouging

become all too familiar with the fragility of supply chains. In America the latest product missing from supermarket shelves is infant formula. Whereas previous shortages, affecting everything from cars to couches, presented an inconvenience, a lack of nourishment for babies creates serious health risks. So the administration has swung into action. On May 16th the Food and Drug Administration () said America would loosen restrictions on imports of formula. Two days later, President Joe Biden invoked the Defence Production Act to boost domestic production. There are several explanations for the shortage. The biggest problem has been a halt to production at a facility in Michigan since February, when officials began investigating infections in four babies possibly caused by its milk-based powder. A lack of packaging, delays to the import of ingredients and staffing vacancies have also contributed to the headache. As much as 43% of formula products were out of stock across America in early May, according to Datasembly, a data firm.