Wednesday, 09 October 2019
Changes to infant formula composition
The amounts of all the ingredients in infant formula (suitable for infants aged 0-12 months) and follow-on formula (suitable for infants aged 6-12 months) are clearly set out and defined by EU food law. For example, the type and amount of protein, vitamins and minerals are set out for manufacturers of formula so that if an infant cannot receive breastmilk, infant formula will meet all of the infant’s nutritional needs in the first months of life.
The amounts of some ingredients allowed in formula products have recently been updated based on up-to-date science. These changes are regulated by the EU and have been decided on by a panel of international scientific experts. As a result, all recipes will be changing over the next 15 months and some nutrients will be present in different amounts. For example, it is now mandatory for manufacturers to add omega-3 essential fatty acids to infant formula. The minimum amount of vitamin A, D and folate must be increased and the minimum amount of some minerals such as iodine and selenium must also be increased in both infant and follow-on formula. There may be some small differences in the smell, appearance or taste of the products.
If you have any questions in relation to a specific formula, please contact the manufacturer.
