Families across the UK say they are “desperate” and struggling with the rising cost of baby formula as prices reach an all time high.
A market study by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has identified a 25% price increase for most brands over two years.
The increase has led to an increase in thefts, as well as unsafe feeding practices, with some parents watering down formula or mixing it with other cheaper products such as cows milk or condensed milk.
The number of struggling families is putting increasing pressure on food and baby banks across the UK, with many struggling to meet the growing demand. ‘Black market’ sellers of stolen or tampered with baby formula for knockdown prices are also emerging, putting further children at risk from potentially dangerous products.
Speaking to Sky News, CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said: “Infant formula is a key part of the weekly shop for many parents across the UK who rely on these products to ensure their baby gets all the essential nutrients they need.
“Whilst it’s a positive sign that prices of some products have fallen since our update last November, the cost of infant milk remains at historically high levels.
“We’re concerned that parents don’t always have the right information to make informed choices and that suppliers may not have strong incentives to offer infant formula at competitive prices.
“We are determined to ensure this market is working well for the many new parents who depend on infant formula and it’s essential that any changes we propose are based on evidence and a strong understanding of the market.
“That’s why we’ve now decided to take forward our work on infant formula as a market study, using our formal legal powers.”
