As the baby formula shortage continues to affect thousands of families in the United States, government authorities are prompting manufacturers of baby food to fill the surging demand. 

Seeking a solution to the crisis, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is temporarily relaxing its strict import requirements to make it easier to bring overseas baby formula into the country. Further, president Joe Biden has launched the Operation fly formula to use federal planes to fly abroad formula into America.

Shortage in baby formula supplies in the U.S started after the pandemic. However, the crisis was exacerbated due to a large scale of product recalls. A major local manufacturer closed its formula plant due to a microbial infection in which 4 babies were affected, and 2 sadly died.

The baby formula market continues to grow, and the U.S market is a current opportunity for manufacturers.

Are you sure your infant formula product is safe for consumption around the world?

Since babies are sensitive consumers with special nutritional needs, this sector poses unique challenges to manufacturing businesses.

Due to their vulnerable nature, baby foods are highly regulated by governments, and requirements may change between countries. Since infants are exposed to a proportionally larger amount of food contaminants than adults, it is vital to safeguard and protect baby formula against potential adulteration issues, whether that be physical, chemical or microbiological.

Are you sure your infant formula product is safe for consumption? Claiming the complete absence of contaminants in your ingredients can be a complex task, and analytical testing together with scientific advice is often necessary. Below, we have listed some of the most common safety and quality concerns for infant formula producers, and we provide analytical strategies to protect your formula brand.

Top food safety and quality concerns for infant formula manufacturers 

Mapping ahead the most common safety and quality concerns for infant formula products can be a game-changer strategy in your manufacturing operation. Ensure infant formula safety by keeping in mind the sector food safety challenges and what control points can be applied. Mérieux NutriSciences provides services in all the below concerns to ensure the quality, safety, and effectiveness of baby food products.

1. Ensure the absence of the most common contaminants in your baby food ingredients

Physically and Chemical analyses are required for:

• Additives: antioxidants, dyes, preservatives, sweeteners, flavourings
• Allergens: RT-PCR, ELISA, LC-MS/MS
• Contaminants: dioxins, furans, PCBs – DL, PAHs, melamine, heavy metals, Arsenic
• Mycotoxins and alkaloids
• Pesticides: full compliance with pesticide requirements in baby food.

• Veterinary drugs and hormones
• GMOs
• Process contaminants: MCPD esters, Glycidyl Esters, acrylamide, furan, methylfurans
• Packaging contaminants: MOSH&MOAH, bisphenols, NIAS, etc.
• Radioactivity

Microbiological analyses are required for:

• Pathogens
• Quality indicators

2. Ensure the accurate validation of your product’s nutritional composition

• Fibres: total dietary fibre, FOS, GOS
• Nutrients: moisture, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, energy, saturated fats, sugar, salt, amino acids, cholesterol, starch, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
• Organic micronutrients: choline, inositol, carnitine
• Water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9, B12, C, D2, D3, E, H, K1
• Minerals

3. Ensure cleaning efficacy in your production plant

• Cleaning Validation and Monitoring
• Residues of detergents, disinfectants, allergens, microorganisms
• Biofilm

At Mérieux NutriSciences, we understand the need to control the safety of your baby food products across supply chains, and we offer comprehensive testing services and a complete suite of services to support manufacturers in ensuring infant formula safety. Check all our food sector capabilities by clicking on the below button.

Contact us below to discuss how we can support your business needs.