Danone ramps up U.S. baby formula shipments

STORY: Danone has stepped up shipments of infant formula from Europe to the U.S.

That’s according to U.S. customs data and shipping consultancy Ocean Audit.

Danone - producer of Aptamil - is the world’s second biggest maker of baby formula, but it’s a relatively small player in the U.S.

Between January and May Danone’s Nutricia division more than tripled its ocean imports to North America.

More than 90% was sent to the U.S..

Ocean Audit said Danone Nutricia sent 2.4 million cans from January to May 1 - way up on the 770,000 delivered a year before.

It comes after top manufacturer Abbott Laboratories recalled dozens of types of formula in February.

That led to one of the most urgent food shortages in recent history for American families.

On Wednesday (May 18), President Joe Biden took steps to address the issue.

The White House said Biden invoked the Defense Production Act to help manufacturers get the ingredients needed to ramp up supply.

Biden also ordered U.S. agencies to use Defense Department commercial aircraft to bring formula into the country.