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Technical Assistance & Guidance

The USDA, FDA, and other federal partners continue to work diligently to protect the health infants who are fed using infant formula. 

FDA's Infant Formula Strategies

The FDA has published two national strategies to increase the resiliency of the U.S. infant formula market and prevent Cronobacter sakazakii illnesses associated with powdered infant formula. 

USDA's Response to the Infant Formula Shortage

WIC state agencies provide infant formula for mothers who choose to use this feeding method. WIC state agencies are required by law to have competitively bid infant formula rebate contracts with infant formula manufacturers. 

In response to the 2022 infant formula recall and supply shortage, USDA worked closely with the White House, HHS, and FDA to support families, including those that participate in FNS nutrition programs.

On June 30, 2023, the USDA completed the final phase of "Unwinding Infant Formula Flexibilities in WIC" as outlined in WIC Policy Memorandum #2023-3, which extended the expiration date for certain waivers. The extension of these expiration dates was based on infant formula supply and availability.

To increase the diversity of and support a stable supply of infant formula in the U.S., the FDA allowed certain infant formula products to be imported, sold, and/or distributed in the U.S. under enforcement discretion.

To ensure that infants in WIC got the formula they needed, FNS supported WIC state agencies with guidance, that waived certain regulatory requirements to allow WIC state agencies to authorize and issue certain infant formulas imported under the FDA’s Infant Formula Enforcement Discretion Policy.

the number of waivers issued in response to the infant formula shortage.

FNS supports its program operators with timely information, including infant formula safety tips, on its infant formula webpage. USDA continues to work collaboratively with federal partners to support WIC stakeholders and ensure participants get the safe and nutritious foods they need.

Page updated: September 21, 2023