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June 1 (UPI) -- As President Joe Biden met virtually with executives from infant formula companies for an update on efforts to alleviate the shortage, the White House Wednesday announced a new "Operation Fly Formula" flight from London. United Airlines will fly Kendamil formula free of charge from London to multiple U.S. airports.
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The White House said in a statement that these flights will bring over 300,000 pounds of formula, approximately 3.7 million 8 ounce bottle equivalents. Shipping on this formula will start June 9.
"As a father and a grandfather I understand how difficult this shortage has been for families all across the country," Biden said during the live streamed virtual video meeting. "I'm going to make sure that families in every corner of the country can get the formula they need."
Biden said his administration is using every tool available to increase supply of infant formula, including the Defense Production Act.
While there is more to do, Biden said critical progress is being made.
Biden met with executives from Gerber, Reckitt, Perrigo Co., ByHeart and Bubs Australia. The virtual meeting was live streamed by the White House.
Reckitt's Robert Cleveland said his company's factories are working 24/7 to produce and ship infant formula. June production will produce 40 million formula feedings a week.
Cleveland said Reckitt has also submitted FDA applications to bring more formula in from its facilities in the Phillipines and Mexico.
He said the Defense Production Act invoked by Biden has helped the company get oils essential to the production of formula.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said during the virtual meeting that the administration is working 24/7 to restore the infant formula supply.
Sec. Becerra said a new online hub has been launched at HHS.gov/formula to connect parents and caregivers to resources.
Abbott Nutrition wasn't in the meeting. An Abbott Michigan plant shutdown due to contamination led to the baby formula shortage.
Abbott North American President of Nutrition Christopher Calamari told a House subcommittee last week that its Sturgis, Mich., baby formula plant is reopening in the first week of June but it will take weeks before production hits store shelves.
Australia will ship at least 1.25 million cans of infant formula to the United States, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Biden vowed to solve the problem and "ease the anxiety of parents."
And he urged the formula company executives not to let up until the formula supply is fully restored. He thanked them for efforts so far and said they really answered the call.
