Baby formula from UK and Australia expected to hit stores in Rhode Island this week

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health said Tuesday that baby formula from the United Kingdom and Australia is expected to hit stores in Rhode Island later this week.

The Department of Health said that they, along with Gov. Dan McKee, were told by the Food and Drug Administration that the baby formula has been approved as a healthy alternate formula.

“We are grateful that the United Kingdom and Australia’s formula manufacturers were able to make these products available to families here in Rhode Island and the United States, through the President’s Operation Fly Formula,” said McKee.

The first batch of formula includes Kendamil Classic, Kendamil organic formula, and seven types of Bubs brand formula.

“Although the labels look a little different, this formula has been approved by the federal government and is safe for parents to use,” said Dr. James McDonald, interim director of health.

McDonald urged Rhode Islanders to only buy what they need that way there’s enough formula to go around.

Anyone with questions about which formula to use should call the Department of Health’s health information line at 401-222-5960 or their child’s pediatrician.