First formula flights from Europe arrive in May

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Category: Health

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. formula / ˈfɔr myə lə / (n.) – a type of milk used to feed babies and replace a mother’s milk
    Example:

    I tried giving my baby formula, but he didn’t like it.


  2. relieve / rɪˈliv / (v.) – to make a problem or something unpleasant less strong or serious
    Example:

    Railway managers are looking for ways to relieve overcrowding at the train station.


  3. deepening / ˈdi pən ɪŋ / (adj.) – becoming worse, stronger, or more intense
    Example:

    One of the reasons for the deepening economic crisis is the continuous increase in gasoline prices.


  4. hypoallergenic / ˌhaɪ poʊˌæl ərˈdʒɛn ɪk / (adj.) – relating to something that is designed to reduce an allergic reaction
    Example:

    I only use hypoallergenic makeup because I have very sensitive skin.


  5. ration / ˈræʃ ən / (v.) – to control the amount of resources given to people, especially when there isn’t enough supply for everyone
    Example:

    The city government will ration water to areas that don’t have water services.


Article

Read the text below.

The first flights of infant formula from Europe, authorized by President Joe Biden to relieve a deepening U.S. shortage, will arrive in Indiana aboard military aircraft this weekend, the White House announced Friday, May 20.


The White House says 132 pallets of Nestlé Health Science Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior formula will leave Ramstein Air Base in Germany and arrive in the U.S. this weekend. Another 114 pallets of Gerber Good Start Extensive HA formula are expected to arrive in the coming days. Altogether about 1.5 million 8-ounce bottles of the three formulas, which are hypoallergenic for children with cow’s milk protein allergy, will arrive this week.


While Biden initially requested that the Pentagon use commercially chartered aircraft to move the formula from Europe to the U.S., the White House said no commercial flights were available this weekend. Instead, U.S. Air Force planes will transport the initial batch of formula.


The Biden administration has dubbed the effort “Operation Fly Formula,” as it struggles to address nationwide shortages of formula, particularly hypoallergenic varieties, after the closure of the country’s largest domestic manufacturing plant in February due to safety issues.


U.S. regulators and the manufacturer, Abbott, hope to have that Michigan plant reopened next week, but it will take about two months before product is ready for delivery. The Food and Drug Administration this week eased importation requirements for baby formula to try to ease the supply crunch, which has left store shelves bare of some brands and some retailers rationing supply for parents nervous about feeding their children.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The United States’ largest formula manufacturing plant was closed because of safety issues. How do you think this company can regain the consumers’ trust? Discuss.
  • Would you still buy from a well-known brand that suddenly encountered safety issues? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • In your opinion, what kind of food or drink shortage (ex. rice, beer) would result in a crisis in your country? What do you think would be a good alternative to this food or drink? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, what can the government do to avoid food shortages in general? Discuss.