The quality and safety of infant formula is of utmost importance to manufacturers, particularly given that these products are intended for the most vulnerable population – infants.  When concerns about food safety and quality arise, it causes understandable concern to parents and caregivers. Our industry emphasises that the health and wellbeing of infants is its unequivocal priority.

Infant formula is the most regulated food product in the world. It is produced under rigorously controlled conditions supported by robust, validated food safety management systems. These include comprehensive environmental monitoring, effective cleaning procedures, clear zoning principles to manage risk levels, appropriate air and dust control, and thorough verification of process controls.

Quality assurance activities are implemented throughout all production steps to full compliance with applicable national and international regulations to maintain the highest standards of safety and quality. The comprehensive quality testing that infant formula goes through before release is the most extensive of any food category, globally.

When a product‑related issue is identified, manufacturers work promptly and in collaboration with national authorities. Actions taken are risk-based, timely and guided by the overall goal of protecting infant health. Parents and caregivers can remain confident that infant formula available on shelves meets stringent safety and quality requirements.

To further its commitment to eliminate food safety risks, our industry continually invests in technological and scientific advancements to drive food safety improvements. ISDI supports the work initiated at Codex Alimentarius to revise the Code of Hygienic Practice for Powdered Formulae for Infants and Young Children toenhance the robustness of infant formula manufacturing processes. We encourage all stakeholders to engage constructively with Codex members to update this code of practice with the latest science.