Governor declares market disruption, allowing state regulators to investigate baby formula price gouging
A scoop of baby formula (Ajay Suresh/Wikimedia Commons)
Oregon regulators can act against baby formula price gouging following a Friday declaration by Gov. Kate Brown.
Brown on Friday declared an “abnormal market disruption” for baby formula amid a nationwide shortage. The governor acted following reports of “unusual increases in baby formula prices” and a request from Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, according to a statement from the governor’s office.
The declaration allows Rosenblum and the Oregon Department of Justice to investigate reports of price gouging and take action against businesses if they’re found engaging in illegal trade practices.
“Many Oregon families across the state rely on baby formula to nourish their newborns and children, and it is critical that they can easily access this nutrition without abnormally increased prices,” Brown said in a statement.
Oregonians who believe they’ve been subjected to price gouging on baby formula can report it to the state’s consumer protection hotline at 877-877-9392. Oregonians can also visit www.OregonConsumer.gov for more information.
-Rachel Alexander
