HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.16.22 For Immediate Release_ Public Health Warns About Dangers of Homemade Baby Formula
From:Almaguer, Lisa
To:BOS; Cox, Erin; McSpadden, Elaine; Nicholas, Jodi; Putnam, Jodi; Soderstrom, Monica; Star, Nanette
Cc:York, Danette
Subject:For Immediate Release: Public Health Warns About Dangers of Homemade Baby Formula
Date:Monday, May 16, 2022 10:33:57 AM
The following press release will be issued shortly…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2022
Public Health Warns About Dangers of Homemade Baby Formula
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – In response to a nationwide shortage of baby formula, Butte County Public
Health’s Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) is warning parents and guardians about the
health risks of making homemade baby formula.
The Food & Drug Administration and The American Academy of Pediatrics have warnings against
using recipes to make homemade infant formula. Learn more: bit.ly/3wcxa5S
Babies under one year of age have very specific nutritional needs and should only be given
breastmilk or formula, which is fortified with vitamins and minerals designed for infants. Homemade
formula may contain too much or too little of these components and have an increased risk of
contamination, which can lead to babies getting sick or developing an infection. Watering down
formula can also lead to serious health complications for your baby.
WIC understands that many Butte County families are struggling with the formula shortage and may
be feeling desperate to find alternative ways to feed their baby, including switching to cow’s milk,
other non-human milk, and/or milk substitutes. Non-human milk contains higher concentrations of
protein and minerals, which can stress an infant’s kidneys and cause severe illness.
Parents and guardians who are struggling to find the right formula are encouraged to take the
following steps:
1. Ask your healthcare provider if they have sample cans of formula available.
2. Talk with your healthcare provider about switching to another formula - you may be able to
switch brands.
3. Check smaller stores or drug stores that may have supply when bigger stores are sold out. Ask
grocers what days they expect formula shipments.
4. Current WIC participants may contact Butte County WIC for guidance at 530-552-4025.
You may be eligible for the WIC program if you are a California resident and:
Are Pregnant
Had a baby or a loss of pregnancy within the last 6 months
Have Infants and/or children under the age of 5, AND
Receive Medi-Cal, CalFresh or CalWorks or meet income requirements
###
Lisa Almaguer
Communications Manager / PIO
BUTTE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
202 Mira Loma Drive | Oroville, CA 95965
T: 530.552.4000 | D: 530.552.4041
“Nationally Accredited, 09/13/17”
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