FDA Finalizes Guidelines To Ensure Infant Formula Safety

The Food and Drug Administration finalizes guidelines to ensure the safety of infant formula. The FDA says this rule which was announced today includes requiring companies to test for salmonella and cronobacter two bacteria that can cause severe illness in babies. It requires manufacturers to prove their formula supports normal physical growth. And that the products be tested for nutrient content before they are sent to stores. The agency says if an infant formula poses a risk to infants' health. The manufacturer must conduct a recall. An initial version of this rule was released in February. This final version contains some modifications made in response to comments received by the agency. And only applies to infant formulas meant for healthy infants with no unusual or dietary problems. The FDA says infant formula makers will have to start complying with the final rule by September eighth of this year.