Reckitt receives FDA approval for additional baby formula shipments 

Reckitt announced Aug. 11 that it received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to import 150 metric tons – about 331,000 pounds – of infant formula base powder from its facility in Delicias, Mexico. 

The announcement is part of the Parsippany-based company’s continued efforts to get more baby formula on U.S. retail shelves in light of the critical shortage that began earlier this year. 

The company said once the powder is blended and packaged in the U.S., it will yield the equivalent of 6 million 8-ounce servings of PurAmino, Mead Johnson’s amino acid-based formula.  

The first shipment will be produced this month and is expected to be distributed after quality and safety checks. 

PurAmino is intended for infants and toddlers who cannot digest other types of formula because of allergies or other gastrointestinal conditions. The company said this formula will be distributed primarily through hospitals and other health care centers. 

Reckitt will deliver the PurAmino by ground transport to its facility in Zeeland, Mich., where it will be packaged and delivered via Mead Johnson’s distribution network.  

“We appreciate the continued support from the government, our supply chain partners and employees globally, who have worked together to help end this shortage as quickly as possible, with the highest standards of safety and quality,” Pat Sly, president of Reckitt’s nutrition business, said in a statement. “Every step we can take to increase supply and get more formula to parents is vital, and the FDA’s latest import approval will help us do just that.” 

Reckitt estimated that its formula is feeding about half of all infants in the U.S. 

In the first half of the year, the company’s Infant Formula and Child Nutrition business recorded a 40% increase in like-for-like net revenue. 

On May 19, acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs warned about price gouging and potential fraud concerning the sale of baby formula in the state.