The China baby formula crisis has hit the Margaret River Region, with items being carted off shelves at bulk rates, leaving locals with little supply.
The crisis comes after a massive Chinese online shopping event, which saw large quantities of Australian organic baby formula disappear from the local market.
The issue goes back to 2008 when China was rocked by a melamine poisoning scandal that killed six babies.
As a result people are bulk buying "clean and green" brands, such as Bellamy's and Karicar to sell back to China for a profit.
A concerned Margaret River resident took to social media after witnessing a person buying large quantities of the formula.
“I saw a lady purchasing a large quantity of tins, maybe 15 or so from Coles.
“This was prior to seeing the news story so I was just perplexed but now if I saw it happening I would be really angry and say something.”
The baby formula crisis has become such a problem that Coles and Woolworths now limit customers to four items at a time.
However, this Margaret River resident claims that Coles didn’t seem to be worried.
“They didn't appear to be concerned when I saw it and I'm certain it would have already been on their radar.”
Another woman took to social media to tell a similar story.
Fairfax Media reported an Australian baby formula company was under fire because of an "extreme shortage" that sparked panic and outrage among parents.
One Sydney mother claimed on social media she rang every Coles supermarket within 20 kilometres, a Melbourne mother said she scoured the shelves of 15 shops, and a Perth mother said she drove for three hours – all in search of the elusive "white gold".
Several other concerned residents have taken to social media in an outcry, saying they have seen several others buying the baby formula in bulk.
Have your say: Are you having issues buying baby formula in the Augusta-Margaret River Region? Email gemma.leask@fairfaxmedia.com.au
