IFC Statement on Organic Brown Rice Syrup and Arsenic
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Questions were recently raised regarding arsenic as a study by Jackson et al found elevated levels of the contaminant in products (mistakenly referred to as infant formula) that contained organic brown rice syrup. Infant formula is not manufactured with organic brown rice syrup. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the “FDA is not aware of any brand of infant formula containing organic brown rice syrup (OBRS). One brand of "toddler formula" uses OBRS as a sweetener. This product is labeled for use in children older than 12 months; however, the label also states that a health care professional should be consulted before using this product for infants under 12 months of age.”
International Formula Council* (IFC) members and independent laboratories use on-going product monitoring programs to ensure that infant formula and the ingredients used in its manufacture are safe. Infant formulas are highly regulated and must meet rigorous safety and quality standards set by national and international regulatory authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada, the European Union and other regulatory agencies.
Due to its presence in soil, arsenic enters the food supply when it is absorbed into plants like rice. The levels vary globally and within regions, depending on where food ingredients are sourced. Trace amounts of arsenic can be found in many foods and beverages.
Parents and health professionals can be assured infant formula is safe and nutritious.
February 2012
*The International Formula Council is an association of manufacturers and marketers of formulated nutrition products, e.g., infant formulas and adult nutritionals, whose members are based predominantly in North America. IFC members are: Abbott Nutrition; Mead Johnson Nutrition; Nestlé Infant Nutrition; PBM Products, LLC, A Perrigo Company; and Pfizer Nutrition.