A major food safety recall of infant formula in February 2022 caused significant disruptions in the supply chain that was already fragile, causing a severe shortage in the marketplace. The highly concentrated market structure, strict policies and regulations that characterize infant formula production further contributed to the shortage. Infant formula is a unique product with no close market substitutes available, especially for specialty formulas which are designed for babies with medical conditions. Therefore, shortages in the marketplace may threaten the lives and well-being of infants who do not have alternative sources of nutrition, particularly in the first few months of life. Given the substantial reliance on infant formula, maintaining a sufficient supply of this product in the marketplace is crucial. This makes the major recall an important case study and a policy-relevant issue. This study presents a unique contribution to the literature by investigating the infant formula industry, including the 2022 infant formula food safety recall, utilizing data and information obtained from qualitative interviews with experts in the industry. A key finding is a comprehensive map of the infant formula supply chain, shedding light on its dynamics and vulnerabilities. Additionally, the research details communication dynamics and coping strategies employed by the industry and consumers during the recall, revealing the lack of information and standards in this industry. Our study contributes to the limited literature on the infant formula industry, with the goal of developing effective strategies to enhance its resilience and affecting government policy and industry practices.
Read
