The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has granted an emergency declaration that allows some regulatory relief for motor carriers transporting infant formula or the ingredients needed to make it.

The ruling comes after Abbott Laboratories issued a product recall and closed its manufacturing site in Sturgis, Michigan, as part of an inquiry by the US Food and Drug Administration, which created a significant baby formula shortage.

The FMCSA rule exempts motor carriers providing direct emergency assistance in all 50 states from specific regulatory requirements in the hours of operation (HOS).

Amongst the ingredients needed for the production of baby formula are whey, casein, corn syrup, and hydrolyzed protein, as well as containers and packaging for baby formula.
The changes will stay in effect until June 30th and aim to restore the supply of baby formula in the nation.