People Are Price Gouging Baby Formula Amid Shortage — Eat This Not That

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By Ghuman

Introduction

As parents, we all want to make sure our babies are getting the best nutrition possible. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of baby formula, some people are taking advantage of the situation and price gouging. This article from Eat This Not That will provide you with information on how to get the best deal on baby formula and how to avoid being taken advantage of. We’ll also discuss the potential consequences of price gouging and how to report it if you encounter it.

People Are Price Gouging Baby Formula Amid Shortage — Eat This Not That

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, many parents are struggling to find baby formula for their children. Unfortunately, some people are taking advantage of the situation and price gouging, leading to a shortage of formula in stores.

Price gouging is when a seller increases the price of a product or service to an unfair or unreasonable level. It is illegal in many states, including California, Florida, and New York. In some cases, the prices of baby formula have been increased by as much as 300%.

The shortage of baby formula has caused some parents to turn to online retailers, such as Amazon, to purchase formula. However, many of these retailers are also price gouging, making it difficult for parents to find affordable formula.

Fortunately, there are some alternatives to buying baby formula. Parents can make their own formula using ingredients such as goat’s milk, coconut milk, and almond milk. These ingredients are often more affordable than store-bought formula and can provide the same nutrition for babies.

Parents can also look for formula donations from local organizations or charities. Many of these organizations are providing formula to families in need, free of charge.

It is important to remember that price gouging is illegal and should not be tolerated. If you see someone price gouging baby formula, report it to your local authorities.

Amid a nationwide infant formula shortage, people are purchasing the products and then selling them for double or triple the original retail price.

In February, Abbott Nutrition announced that it was recalling certain varieties of infant formula because it began making babies sick. In all, two infants died from the tainted formula.

Abbott manufactures some specialty formulas that are usually hard to come by—but now, they’re near impossible to find at a decent price. Stores are enacting purchase limits on formula due to the shortage to avoid people price gouging the formula. This means that they would purchase it in bulk and then resell it for a higher price.

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Last week, the White House issued a press release addressing the nationwide formula shortage and what it was going to do to help. In addition to limiting the sizes of formula cans produced to increase volume nationwide, the White House said that it would help more stores enact purchase limits on formula to prevent price gouging.

In an article from NBC Connecticut, mothers shared their struggles on the hunt for baby formula. Diana Torres, mother of a 5-month-old, said she has seen a growing trend of people price gouging formula online.

“What I do see is people selling it overpriced, they’re taking advantage of the situation and they’re going and grabbing what they can find and selling it to people who do need it for double or triple the price it costs,” Torres told NBC.

After scanning the internet, NBC found a 3-pack of Similac baby formula sold for $238 plus an additional $20 for shipping on EBay. It sells at BJ’s for $138.

“I get it, everybody is trying to make money, but you’re making these babies suffer,” Torres added.

For more on the baby formula shortage, check out This Food Is Alarmingly Low in Stock Across America—But Costco Has It.

Kristen Warfield

Kristen Warfield is the weekend editor for Eat This, Not That! and is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz’s journalism program in the Hudson Valley region of New York. Read more

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