The claim: States will send free baby formula to those who call Similac or Enfamil’s customer service

A baby formula shortage that has resulted in empty shelves around the country has also led to social media posts purporting to have ways to help panicked parents.

“Due to the shortage of formula if you call enfamil or similac they will notify the state you can’t find any for your child and the state will send you a 6 pack of 12 Oz cans to your address ! For free!!” reads a May 16 Facebook post that was shared more than 21,000 times in one day.

Other versions of the claim spread widely across social media.

The phone numbers listed in the post are real, but the claim is not. Calling will give long hold times but no free formula.

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USA TODAY reached out to users who shared the claim for comment.

Claims are 'not valid offers,' Abbott Nutrition says

The claims are “not valid offers,” said Karen Twigg May, a spokesperson for Abbott Nutrition, which manufactures Similac. She lamented that families are “expending time and energy chasing down false leads.”

May said the company has worked with the Department of Agriculture and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children to provide rebates for competitive products when Similac is not available. Abbott Nutrition has committed to the measure through Aug. 31.

The number for Similac, included in the social media...

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