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After being commended for its support by the US President Joe Biden earlier this week, Bubs Australia (ASX: BUB) has confirmed that the first flights scheduled to take its baby infant formula to the US are due to depart Australia on 9 and 11 June.
Bubs has been working closely with the US Government and other key stakeholders to help deliver 1.25 million tins (or 27.5 million bottles) of its infant formula in an effort to provide relief to families in the US as the country battles a nationwide shortage.
Launching Operation Fly Formula yesterday, President Biden has authorised the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to use Department of Defense contracted commercial aircraft to speed up the import of infant formula.
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Biden Administration for extending Operation Fly Formula to enable Bubs to assist American families as quickly as possible,” Bubs founder and CEO Kristy Carr said.
“Our team members are working around the clock in conjunction with the White House to resolve logistical challenges so that we can have Bubs Infant Formula products on shelf in major American retailers as quickly as possible.”
Carrying enough infant formula to make 4.6 million bottles, the first flights are scheduled to depart from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, with the US Government scrambling to arrange logistics for the remaining products.
The initial shipment of the formula will be sent to a Bubs-nominated distribution centre in Pennsylvania, where it will be subsequently dispatched to major national retailers as soon as possible.
With the US currently trying to deal with the aftereffects of a product recall from one of its largest milk formula laboratories, which has led to a dearth of infant formula across the country, Bubs was one of the first companies to offer assistance.
Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it was exercising its discretion so that Bubs could export several varieties of its infant formulas, including Bubs organic infant formula S1, Bubs organic follow on formula S2, Bubs supreme infant formula, supreme follow on formula, Bubs goat milk infant formula S1, and Bubs goat milk follow on formula S2.
Carr participated in a roundtable convened by President Biden yesterday to discuss what actions were being taken to increase the production of infant formula by current US manufacturers.
She was the only representative from a manufacturer in the Asia Pacific region on the call, which included senior members of Biden’s Administration, and found it very insightful.
“It was pleasing to hear that FDA regards safety as the highest priority, and Bubs satisfies those gold standards. We were also interested to learn that the Administration is seeking to understand the broader regulatory environment going forward,” Carr said.
“We are thankful that the US Government continues to offer support and work with us.
“Australia and the United States have enjoyed a long-term friendship. We are proud to be representing our country in providing a first response to assist American families.”
After establishing its US presence in June 2021, Bubs distributes its FDA label-compliant Aussie Bubs toddler formula products online, via more than 1,000 stores and through wholesale distributors. The products are manufactured in Bubs’ FDA registered facility in Victoria.
Shares in Bubs Australia (ASX: BUB) have risen by 8.55 per cent to $0.64 as of 10.12 AEST on the back of the announcement. Shares have risen almost 40 per cent in the past five days.
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