Federal authorities are acknowledging that Canada is facing a shortage of formulas for babies with food allergies and some health conditions.
Health Canada says in a Thursday advisory that supplies of allergy-friendly formulas aren’t meeting demand in some provinces.
The statement comes amid widespread formula shortages south of the border after the shutdown of a large U.S. manufacturing plant, which also ships hypoallergenic formula to Canada.
Health Canada says there are two types of formula for babies with food allergies: extensively hydrolyzed and amino acid-based.
It says that the shortage of extensively hydrolyzed formulas is straining the already limited supply of amino acid-based products, which are intended for babies at risk of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Health Canada says it’s critical that these products be reserved for babies who need them.