infant formula information

In a joint statement released on December 30, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC) said tests of factory-sealed containers of the formula, made by Mead Johnson Nutrition Co., showed no traces of the bacteria Cronobacter. Federal health investigators cleared the infant formula of suspected bacterial contamination that last week prompted retailers to pull a batch of the product from their shelves.

The infant formula industry’s products are manufactured with strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices using high quality ingredients. All infant formula products, including liquid and powdered formulas, are extensively tested before release to assure that they meet the nutritional needs of infants and to assure the safety of the product, including microbiological quality with respect to Cronobacter spp. (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii).

Forbes.com writer, Trevor Butterworth, looks at the bisphenol A (BPA) debate and finds that many media outlets neglect the complex studies coming out of regulatory agencies in favor of less scientific, overly simplistic studies advancing alarming health claims. He says “Not all scientific studies are created equal.” Butterworth interviews Daniel R.

Members of the International Formula Council* (IFC) are dedicated to producing safe and nutritious products. Ingredients in U.S. infant formulas are carefully quality-controlled and manufactured to the highest industry and government standards. Some infant formula ingredients, such as soy protein, can be derived from crops which have been enhanced through biotechnology (i.e., genetically modified). An extensive body of sound scientific evidence supports the safety of these ingredients. 

A new study from by Lisa Wirihana and Alan Barnard titled, “Women’s perceptions of their healthcare experience when they choose not to breastfeed,” was recently published in Women and Birth. This research study explored the healthcare experiences of seven women who chose not breastfeed.  These women were interviewed about their healthcare experience regarding infant feeding approximately four months after giving birth.  Researchers found five unmet needs in these women: equity, self-sufficiency, support, education, and the need not to feel pressured.&n

International Formula Council* (IFC) supports breastfeeding as the ideal choice for infant feeding. IFC also supports the right of parents to choose the feeding option for their baby that best fits their individual family situation.  For those mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, infant formula is the only safe, nutritious, and recommended alternative.

NAPNAP is providing an educational video that teaches parents the crucial steps in safely preparing a baby bottle as well as handling and storing baby formula.

Recent research has shown that parents want and need information on infant feeding, both breastfeeding and formula feeding.