Target: Lina Khan, Chair of U.S. Federal Trade Commission
Goal: Prevent companies from monopolizing baby formula production and compounding lack of supplies.
A nationwide shortage of baby formula has left desperate parents searching for nourishment for their children. Individuals who need formula for survival are in danger, and they’re finding only empty shelves across the country. The supply disruption sparked actions ranging from a bill that would help low-income families secure formula to medical advisories about milk replacement. None of the proposed fixes, however, address a root cause of this problem.
The shortage began when quality and health concerns forced a disruption in the manufacture of baby formula from Abbott Laboratories. This one entity controls nearly half of the baby formula market in America, including lucrative state contracts. Two other organizations, Nestle and Mead-Johnson, combine with Abbott to commandeer over 90 percent of U.S. formula sales. The result of this monopoly is playing out now across the country in the form of hungry children and parents with little to no choice.
Federal antitrust laws are supposed to promote competition and prevent big business from preying on consumers. Yet for decades, these laws have not been enforced. Sign the petition below to demand decisive action to break up a monopoly that is hurting the nation’s youngest members.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Ms. Khan,
The baby formula shortage is a blight against consumers and of this country’s own making. If ever a symbol existed of America’s need to fight monopolies, it exists in the images of defenseless children deprived of food. No good rationale exists for why three companies completely control this essential industry in the United States. And no justification holds for why our nation’s leadership enables this monopoly with restrictive WIC contracts, prohibitions on imports, and other actions that discourage competition and ultimately hurt consumers.
You recently vowed to “look at the mergers” that fueled this “fragile state.” Do more than take a glance. The evidence is right before your eyes. Honor this agency’s mission to enforce antitrust laws and protect consumers. End the baby formula monopoly that is endangering kids now.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Sarah Chai
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