Baby formula supply in Canada remains ‘fine’ for now, Trudeau says – National

Canada’s Infant formula Supply remains largely “good”, but Canadian authorities are working closely with the United States to prevent Canada from beginning to experience major shortages. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Said on Tuesday.

Talking to a Vancouver reporter, Trudeau admitted that he had some problems with the supply of infant formula for infants with food allergies and some medical conditions. But overall, Canada remains in a more stable position in the United States, which is experiencing a shortage, he said.

“In reality, we still seem to have no problems with infant formula,” Trudeau said.

“There are some challenges around some more specialized prescriptions, especially for vulnerable children. But again, secure supplies from elsewhere and Canadians have those options. I am confident that the work we are doing to ensure that it is available will work. “

Last week, Health Canada said there was a shortage of widely hydrolyzed infant formula and amino acid-based formula in certain states.

The agency said it is working with manufacturers to import these products wherever possible.

The White House states that the shortage of infant formula is a top priority. Crisis experts say it is another symptom of a new era of “controlled trade” in North America.

However, there is growing concern that the surge in action in the United States could shake Canada.

Over the weekend, military transport aircraft were expected to carry over 35,000 kilograms of prescription grade prescriptions from Europe to the United States, with more shipments.

President Joe Biden also enacted the Defense Production Act of the 1950s, a military procurement law, to ensure that US manufacturers have access to the raw materials they need to increase production.

The shortage was caused by the February closure of a major Michigan factory, but international trade experts say the real problem is that US industry is dominated by just a handful of major players. ..

Brian Deese, director of the White House National Economic Council, says too few US companies have over-managed supply chains.

“For now, our focus is on communicating the formula to families in need of it,” Dies told CNN on Monday.

Trudeau says Ottawa is closely monitoring the situation, fearing that US efforts could exacerbate Canada’s shortage.

“We have been working closely with the US government to ensure that we have a continuous supply of infant formula,” Trudeau said on Tuesday.

Last week, Trudeau also said Canadian authorities “need to make sure they are looking for a solution here in Canada.”

Canada’s largest formula manufacturing plant is the China-owned Canadian Royal Milk Facility in Kingston, Ontario, but 100% of its production is exported for domestic sale in China.

With a file from the Canadian Press.

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