The baby formula shortage in the U.S.continues, but the White House assured people Monday that manufacturers are working overtime. However, demand may be too high for manufacturers to overcome.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters Monday that the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recalls of baby formula were a part of the agency's job to protect infants. Although those recalls are blamed for starting the supply issues, she said the FDA is taking steps to ensure the shortage is not unduly burdensome.

"Ensuring the availability is also a priority for the FDA as they're working around the clock to address any possible shortage," Psaki assured reporters Monday.

The FDA is working with baby formula manufacturers across the US to address the shortage by increasing production. It has also taken steps to help the industry optimize supply lines and product sizes.

Psaki said Monday that it is the FDA's "obligation to take steps to make sure supply can be met" when it issues a recall. She also clarified that she did not believe there were any national stockpiles of baby formula.

In April, Datasembly revealed that the out-of-stock rate for baby formula was around 31% -- up 11% from November 2021. Around 20 states saw out-of-stock rates between 30% and 40% in April as well. Some cities, including Des Moines, Minneapolis, and San Antonio, had out-of-stock rates at or over 50%.

"Inflation, supply chain shortages, and product recalls have brought an unprecedented amount of volatility for baby formula," Ben Reich, founder and CEO of Datasembly, said at the time.

The situation is worse for those who rely on specialized formulas for infants with allergies and other issues that prevent them from using standard formulas.

"We expect to continue to see the baby formula category being dramatically affected by these conditions," he added. He noted that the industry "will continue to demonstrate higher than average out-of-stock levels."

Meanwhile, manufacturers like Abbott Nutrition are working overtime to make sure that baby formula makes it back onto shelves.

"We work toward . . . [increasing] the supply of infant formula by prioritizing infant formula production at our facilities," Abbott said in a statement to CNN.

A shopper looks at grocery items at a Target store in Los Angeles
A shopper looks at grocery items at a Target store in Los Angeles, California August 18, 2009. Reuters / Fred Prouser
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