New York Mayor Eric Adams declares a state of emergency to stop rising prices for infant formula

"A statewide shortage of infant formula has caused families in New York unimaginable pain and anxiety -- and we must act immediately," Mayor Adams wrote in his executive order.

New York Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency on Sunday in response to a nationwide shortage of baby food.

The bailout order "allows the New York City Department of Consumer and Labor Protection to prevent an increase in formula prices."

"The shortage of babies across the country has caused unimaginable pain and anxiety for families in New York - and we must act immediately," Mayor Adams said in a statement. "This urgent enforcement order will help us deal with any retailer looking to take advantage of this crisis by raising the prices of these basic products.

Our message to struggling mothers and families is simple: Our city will do everything in our power to serve you during these challenging times and the crisis of the past two years," added Deputy Mayor for Health also Human Services Ann Williams-Isom, adding in a statement. "This executive order will ensure that all of our agencies can use any tool on their device to deliver formulas to those who need it and keep our youngest New Yorkers alive."

"As the national infant formula shortage manifests itself locally, we are using the tools at our disposal to protect consumers and working families," said Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Labor. "The action we are taking with this extraordinary statement and executive order sends a clear message to any unscrupulous participant who might try to take advantage of this situation: not in New York.

Across the country, the shortage of baby adapters is getting worse by the day, with new Datasembly data showing the national fatigue rate peaked at 43 percent in the first week of May.