Back in February, the United States Food and Drug Administration announced an interim rule covering infant formula that would require manufacturers to test for certain contaminants, as well as ensure that the products contain the right amount of nutrients. Today the agency announced that the new policy is set to be finalized.

The FDA announced today that the rule sets standards for manufacturers of infant formula, including best practices that include required testing for the disease-causing bacteria salmonella and cronobacter, as well as requiring manufacturers to show that products have been tested for nutrient contet before they enter the market, and at the end of a product’s shelf life as well.

“FDA sets high quality standards for the safety and nutritional quality of infant formulas during this critical time of development,” says Stephen Ostroff, M.D., FDA’s acting chief scientist in a press release.

The rule only applies to formulas that are for healthy infants that don’t have any unusual health or dietary problems.

While the FDA notes that many companies already produce safe products and have applied the good manufacturing practices and quality control procedures laid out in the new rule, these requirements are now federally enforceable.

FDA Takes Final Step on Infant Formula Protections [FDA.gov]

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