With increased shortages of baby formula due to recalls, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions,Ā Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum tonight sent a letter to Governor Kate Brown askingĀ herĀ to immediately declare an āabnormal disruption of the marketā in Oregon pursuant to ORS 401.965.Ā
Oregon law authorizes the Governor to declare an abnormal disruption of the market in response to āany emergency that prevents ready availability of essential consumer goods or services.ā This declaration will allow the Oregon Attorney General to take action against any business, or online vendor, who upsells the price ofĀ baby formula ā anĀ essential consumerĀ product āĀ by more than 15 percent.Ā
The Oregon Department of Justice is aware of reports of baby formula being sold online for prices far exceeding its retail value. Attorney General Rosenblum urges Oregonians to be on alert for potential price gouging of baby formula and to report any significant price increases to her office. In addition,Ā sheĀ encourages parents having difficulty finding formula to speak with their childāsĀ health providerĀ before attempting toĀ diluteĀ formula or make their own,Ā either of which, according to health authorities,Ā can be potentially dangerous to a child. Attorney General RosenblumĀ alsoĀ encourages anyone with extra breastmilk to consider donating it to their local milk bank.
āIf Oregonians see significant price increases for baby formula, I encourage them to report it to my office immediately," said Attorney General Rosenblum. āAnyone who tries to take advantage of this shortage by gouging parents desperate to feed their babies is on notice.āĀ
Due to the nationwide shortage, the Oregon Department of Justice advises consumers to buy only as much formula as they need and not to unnecessarily stock up; panic buying may intensify the shortage and could encourage sellers to engage in illegal price gouging.Ā ItĀ is not price gouging for retailers to limit the amount of formula they sell to individual consumers.
When reporting price gouging to Oregon Department of Justice, consumers should:
- Get as much information as possible before reporting by taking a picture of the posted price, advertisement, or online listing, including the product name, brand, size or quantity, and unit price;
- Keep receipts for purchased items.Ā
Report suspected violations to the Attorney Generalās Price Gouging Hotline at (503) 378-8442 or online atĀ www.oregonconsumer.govĀ and attach your pictures, receipt, or other information.
More information on Oregonās price gouging statute can be found here:Ā https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/sales-scams-fraud/price-gouging/
Source: Oregon Attorney General