Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 May 2022
140. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the support that Ireland is providing to help the United States with the recent baby formula shortage that it is experiencing; and if there is a risk of any shortages of a similar nature in Ireland given the rising input and dairy costs. [26905/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is one of the leading manufacturers of Infant Formula, with exports in 2021 valued at €653 million. Ireland has a number of significant manufacturing facilities in Ireland and many of our primary milk processors are actively supplying ingredients into the market.
As the Deputy refers to, there is currently a shortage of infant formula in the United States. As a net exporter of Infant formula, I do not envisage a risk of any shortage of a similar nature arising in Ireland.
The USA was our fourth largest dairy export destination in 2021, with total exports amounting to €431 million. Infant formula exports accounted for €24 million of those exports, equating to 2,392 tonnes.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves plants which export infant formula to the US market; one Irish plant is currently approved by the FDA. My Department will provide any assistance requested by the US authorities, for example in relation to additional plants which may have an interest in applying for FDA approval.
