First formula flights due to leave Europe for US

The first flights of infant formula from Europe to relieve a deepening U.S. shortage are due to arrive in Indiana aboard military aircraft this weekend.

The White House said 132 pallets of Nestlé Health Science Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior formula were to take off from Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

Another 114 pallets of Gerber Good Start Extensive HA formula were expected to arrive in the coming days. The White House said no commercial flights were available this weekend and instead, U.S. Air Force planes will transport the initial batch of formula.

The Food and Drug Administration this week eased importation requirements for baby formula to try to ease the supply crunch. The shortages have left store shelves bare of some brands and some retailers rationing supply for parents nervous about feeding their children.