Cobb Reporter

Blake Harbin, a Republican candidate for Georgia's Sixth Congressional District seat, is criticizing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Biden administration as parents struggle to find baby formula for their infants.

"The FDA and Biden administration have totally failed parents with the baby formula crisis," Harbin tweeted. "Cleaning up their mess is going to take doers, not talkers."

Supply chain issues and a recall of Abbott Nutrition's products have contributed to a nationwide shortage of baby formula, The Hill reported. The FDA shut down Abbott Nutrition, a top producer of baby formula, after two babies died from a rare bacterial illness. The FDA is now allowing companies that sell baby formula to foreign countries to begin selling it in the U.S. in an attempt to get more formula into stores.

“We’re casting a broad net. We are seeking manufacturers from around the globe who have available product that could meet our regulatory standards for both nutrition and food safety — to reach out to us, let us know what they have available and we can discuss with them what that might look like to get that product into the U.S.,” said Susan Mayne, director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, according to The Hill.

The FDA first became aware of the issues at the Abbott plant in the fall, but failed to issue a recall until February, WSB-TV reported. Although Abbott and the FDA have reached an agreement that will lead to the reopening of the plant, Abbott's formula might not be back on the shelves for up to two more months. Lawmakers are working to investigate the delay in the FDA's recall. WSB-TV reported that some Georgia moms have been relying on other moms in Facebook groups to find the baby formula they need.

Harbin will face multiple GOP challengers in the May 24 primary election for Georgia's 6th Congressional District, including Byron Gatewood, Rich McCormick and Mallory Staples, according to Ballotpedia. The general election is Nov. 8.