No where will accept donated unopened formula

[mum2bee2022]

We have 2 unopened 800g tubs of baby formula that we no longer need. Food bank won't take it, tried to put on facebook marketplace for free but was removed...

I can't understand why I cant donate, the 2 packs are unopened and in date. I would have thought this is exactly the thing people would be crying out for. Any one have any ideas before throwing out in the rubbish which would seem such a waste!

Yes! Please download the Olio app and offer it on there. So many people in need and I agree with you - why throw out perfectly good food. The other thing you can do is offer it on your local FB page. I hope it can go to good use.

The rules surrounding baby formula are really strict.

For example, if someone orders a supermarket delivery, and for whatever reason they return the formula for a refund, the store has to waste it and dispose of it - even though it is unopened and has been in the 'care' of the supermarket the whole time.

(Note: this applies to the supermarket I work in. I can't say for sure they all do the same, but I suspect it's because of legislation as why else would they waste an expensive product?)

It’s to prevent tampering. It needs to be strict.

I see people giving formula away on local Facebook groups (not Marketplace) all the time. Try that.

Is it a prescription formula? Because there are allergy Facebook support groups where mums frequently post online to collect for free or post if postage is covered.

Thanks, Ill try my local facebook group.

Seems bizarre that no where will take it when its clearly unopened. How sad that there is such a concern that formula would be tampered with!

Are you on any Facebook groups for local toddler /baby groups or anything like that? I'm on a couple and I've definitely seen unopened formula be offered on there.

I don't think it's so much that it's risk of tampering as risk of being counterfeit.

Thankfully I don't think it's an issue in the UK but there have been problems over seas which make people extra cautious.

Animal sanctuaries like Foal Farm accept baby formula

I had this problem last week where amazon sent me 9 types of the wrong type! I've eventually managed to donate them via a church, but literally no one would take it from me

*tubs not types!

Our health visitor very happily took ours - I think they’re able to offer it to families who might be struggling.

I gave the last couple of bottles from a multipack to our nursery! They were in date (by a couple of months - not long enough to keep for baby no2) and sealed etc.
I know they're a business not a charity, but I tried the local babygroup and nobody replied.

I gave some away on our local Buy Nothing Facebook group.

I'm pretty sure our local baby bank takes baby formula

I can completely understand it. I've had tubs with the tamper seal snapped off in supermarket delivers before and returned it. And then the bottom is only cardboard. The tins from lidl seem much more secure to me.

My son was on prescribed stuff. I was always told to give it to the dogs home.

(he wasn't over prescribed, but often had to change brand/type for medical reasons)

Definitely local Parent and baby Facebook groups or if you are a member of a toddler group them ask there.

Olio app is brilliant depending on your area as PP said