WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del, urged infant formula manufacturers to make changes to prevent formula shortages from occurring nationwide.

In a letter from various U.S. senators to Infant Nutrition Council of America President Mardi Mountford, Sen. Carper recommended suppliers increase production and distribution following the nationwide shortage of infant formula. The letter was led by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and included signatures from a total of 32 senators.

The letter read: “This shortage has placed an unacceptable burden on parents and caregivers and has put the health of babies and infants at risk,”

“For many families, infant formula is critical for ensuring their children receive the nutrition they need to grow healthy and well-nourished. This shortage has been especially challenging for some of the most vulnerable infants, with particularly acute shortages of specialty formulas to address health needs such as allergies, gastrointestinal issues, or metabolic disorders. There is no easy substitute for infant formula, and this shortage has left families across the nation scrambling to figure out how they will care for their children. We urge the Infant Nutrition Council of America and your member companies to do all you can to increase infant formula production and distribution and prevent future supply chain disruptions.”

As a result of these infant formula shortages, Delaware is reported to have the second highest out-of-stock rate of formula in the country.