With infant formula shortages nationwide, Santa Clara County stores limit purchases

THE NATIONAL BABY formula shortage is hitting the South Bay, prompting some stores to limit purchases as parents scramble to stock up on supply.

The months-long crisis has reached new heights in the last few weeks — with the national out-of-stock rate hitting 43 percent as of May 8, according to retail data service Datasembly. California is seeing a better rate at 32 percent — but some families in Santa Clara County are feeling the pressure, with stores such as Walmart and Target setting purchasing limits on the sparse inventory.