Push for Regulation of Infant Formula

In response to a call for ways in which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could advance the health needs of children, the United States Breastfeeding Committee submitted a letter detailing its concerns with the safety and efficacy of infant formula. In summary, the Committee seeks:

1. Adequate testing of new ingredients prior to their addition to infant formula and updated FDA review and approval procedures for those ingredients.
2. Close monitoring for adverse reactions to the products and a public report of those reactions.
3. Review and any necessary repudiation of the health claims made in the marketing of formula.
4. Advice to consumers that formula is not sterile, poses dangers due to contamination, and must be properly prepared.

Newborn baby in father's hands by Michelle Bergkamp

Frankly I think it’s incredible that those provisions are not already in place, given that for many (too many!) babies, formula is all they consume for the first six months of life. Those tiny and vulnerable babies — if they are not going to receive breast milk — at least must be assured the safest possible breast milk substitute.