FDA Admits Delays in Response , to Baby Formula Shortage.<br />The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a report detailing its response to the shortage on Sept. 22.<br />The 10-page report cites several <br />aspects of the agency's response.<br />including poor data-sharing systems, staffing shortages and lack of oversight for the specific manufacturing and supply chain protocols.<br />For things that are critical to the public health, if you don’t have some understanding of how all the pieces fit together, , Robert Califf, FDA Commissioner, via NBC News.<br />... then when you get into a <br />crisis or a shortage you <br />have a real problem, Robert Califf, FDA Commissioner, via NBC News.<br />To a large extent that’s what happened here, Robert Califf, FDA Commissioner, via NBC News.<br />The report arrives several months after a baby formula manufacturing plant in Michigan was closed because of safety issues.<br />An FDA investigation into a whistleblower's warning about the plant didn't begin until <br />months after the complaint was filed.<br />Consumer advocates say the FDA's report falls short of what is needed to fully address systemic issues.<br />This internal evaluation treats the symptoms of the disease rather than offering a cure, Scott Faber, Environmental Working Group, <br />via NBC News.<br />Nothing in this evaluation addresses the fragmented leadership structure that led to critical communication failures, Scott Faber, Environmental Working Group, <br />via NBC News.<br />U.S. inventories of baby formula have increased from 69 percent in July to 80 percent.<br />Imports of various baby formula products have increased significantly since May.<br />The FDA's food division is currently under an <br />external review seeking answers to "questions about <br />the structure, function, funding and leadership."
