The Infant-Formula Market Is Still Bottled Up

The pandemic era has seen its share of supply-chain problems, but the infant-formula crisis—which began a year ago—stands out for its depth, duration and danger. National out-of-stock rates for formula exceeded 90% at one point in June, and store shelves in certain parts of the country remain sparse even today. The shortages got so bad they inspired multiple emergency responses from Congress, several different federal agencies and the White House itself.

The crisis also offered an opportunity—a road map to achieve a more robust and resilient U.S. market for baby formula and other essential goods. But much of Washington appears ready to ignore it.