Baby food formula recall

It's no secret that the best food for a newborn baby is breast milk. Unfortunately, not every woman has the physical or moral ability to provide them with her child. This may be due to certain diseases, medications taken and a number of other important factors. In this case, you have to resort to things like infant formula.

Today, grocery stores and pharmacies carry a wide variety of these products. They can differ greatly in composition, nutrient content, and a number of other factors. So that you are not mistaken in such an important issue, we decided to rank the best baby formulas. However, before proceeding with the analysis of these products, we would like to give you some useful tips on making the right choice. Let's start with this, and in the future we will move on to the review itself.

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How to choose infant formula in 2022?

As we said a little higher, it is very easy to get confused in the variety presented on store shelves. First you need to figure out what kind of food is. According to its consistency, it can be of two types - dry and liquid. Dry products represent about 90% of all available on the market. It is usually packaged in a cardboard box or tin, made in the form of a powder, which must be diluted with boiled water at room temperature before use. Liquid mixtures are usually ready to use - they just need to be warmed up a little. They are sold in special tetrapack packages, divided into portions of 200 ml each - for one full meal. It is not so easy to find such a mixture in ordinary stores.

Almost all of these products are made on the basis of cow's milk, but the protein is present here in an altered form. Here, too, there is a classification - adapted, partially adapted and non-adapted. The former are produced on the basis of demineralized milk whey, therefore, in terms of their composition and nutritional properties, they are as close as possible to breast milk. They are well absorbed, designed specifically for newborns. Due to the complex manufacturing technology, such products are quite expensive.

Partially adapted mixtures contain lactose and sucrose, and also do not have a stabilized mineral fat composition. The latter type is made on the basis of casein, an unchanged protein found in cow's milk.

When choosing milk formula, be sure to take into account the age indicator. For newborns or premature babies, a product labeled 0 would be suitable, a product with the number 1 is designed for children under the age of six months, 2 - from six months to a year, 3 - for older children.

Finding the right mixture the first time is not always easy. It is advisable to carefully monitor the condition of the child after feeding and the reaction to the mixture. If the slightest signs of an allergy suddenly appear, then you should immediately abandon the selected product and switch to another one. The same is done if the child has loose stools, he shows anxiety after feeding, weakly gains weight. The mixture should be prepared in strict accordance with the instructions on the package.

When we selected the foods to include in our 2022 Best Blends list, we had all of these factors in mind in the first place. However, some other factors were taken into account - this is the ratio of price and quality of products (it should be borne in mind that baby food is always quite expensive), as well as user reviews.

Top 9 infant formulas in 2022

9. Similac (Abbott) Gold

This is the latest development in the company's infant formula line. It is characterized by an innovative composition, which is now even closer to natural breast milk. The original ingredient is added here - oligosaccharide, which until then was found only in human milk. You will not find similar products on the market today. With the help of this component, beneficial bacteria begin to actively develop in the intestines of a child. Due to the fact that up to 70% of the cells of the immune system are located in this organ, when using such milk, it is possible to strengthen and largely maintain the natural defenses of a developing and growing organism. The substance reduces colic in the baby's tummy, makes it more calm.

Literally in a week the child starts crying much less, and in a month the immune system becomes twice as strong and better resists various infections. The product also contains bifidobacteria B.lactis, a very effective and thoroughly researched probiotic. It contributes to the development of the natural intestinal microflora of the baby, and also maintains the digestive system in perfect order. There are FOS prebiotics, which are food for beneficial intestinal microflora, contribute to gentle emptying. The composition does not contain palm oil, so the likelihood of constipation is minimal, and calcium will be absorbed very well.

Benefits:

• Instantly dissolves in water without forming lumps;
• Prevents colic and constipation;
• No palm oil;
• Has all the nutrients you need, many of which are not found in other formulas.

Drawbacks:

• Expensive;
• Not found in all stores.

Similac (Abbott) Gold

8. Friso VOM

A special anti-reflux mixture, the main purpose of which is to eliminate various negative effects of feeding a child, such as colic or spitting up. The composition contains a special thickener, which is absolutely harmless to the health of the child. Its function is as follows: when it enters the baby's stomach, it does not allow the mixture to come out back, as happens when spitting up. Here, locust bean gum acts as an anti-reflux substance - a special component that also positively affects the functioning of the children's intestines and prevents constipation. It contains skimmed milk powder, as well as whey. Lactose acts as a source of carbohydrates here. Galactooligosaccharides act as a prebiotic - they help to establish proper bowel function.

Another useful substance is the polyunsaturated fatty acid Omega-3, -6. Such compounds are useful for the child's vision to develop well and in accordance with age. Nucleotides are indispensable for the development of brain connections and the digestive tract. For additional thickening of the mixture, maltodextrin is used. It does not harm the baby's esophagus and stomach, and decomposes into glucose in the intestines. It contains a whole complex of vegetable oils - sunflower, palm, rapeseed and special unicellular oil. All of them are aimed at creating the elasticity of the skin.

Benefits:

• Provides a restful sleep for the baby after the evening feeding;
• Stabilizes the chair;
• Improves the functioning of all systems of the baby's body;
• Prevents regurgitation;
• The complex of nutrients is perfectly balanced.

Drawbacks:

• Quite expensive;
• Very thick - difficult to pass through the nipple;
• It is necessary to dilute with rather hot water - its temperature should not be lower than 50 degrees, it is also hard to stir.

Friso VOM

7. Valio Baby

Another dry adapted product, and it has the appropriate label, depending on which the mixture is intended for children of a certain age. It is optimal for babies largely due to the perfectly balanced composition, and it is close to natural breast milk. It does not contain palm oil, but there is a complex of GOS prebiotics (galactooligosaccharides). These substances are found in large quantities in women's milk, they contribute well to the growth of intestinal microflora, restore digestion. In addition, such substances gently affect the stool and contribute to the active development of the baby's immune system. The complex of vitamins and minerals is ideally balanced so that the development of the body occurs harmoniously in strict accordance with the age of the child. These include iron, zinc, vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus, with the latter two also for proper skeletal development.

There is no palm oil here, so the child will have little colic, regurgitation and constipation. There is natural milk fat, which is completely identical to the complex of maternal milk fats. Dietary cholesterol is also at the required level. There are no artificial flavors or colors, as well as preservatives or genetically modified products.

Benefits:

• Perfectly balanced formula;
• Presence of a complex of vitamins and minerals;
• Pleasant smell and taste - most babies eat this mixture with undisguised pleasure;
• Dissolves perfectly in water without forming lumps or other inclusions.

Disadvantages:

• Some babies may have an allergic reaction to this mixture.

Valio Baby

6. Semper Baby Nutradefense

The mixture contains an original combination of MFGM & Milk fat components, which includes membranes of milk fat globules and a certain percentage of natural milk fat. All these compounds are found in breast milk and are very important for the proper formation and development of the child. Clinical studies have shown that the use of milk formula with a similar complex reduces the likelihood of infectious diseases and increases the cognitive development of babies compared to children who ate formulas without such components. The packaging is hermetically sealed, preventing water vapor from the air from entering the mixture. Directly on the jar there is a detailed instruction on the preparation and use of the mixture, as well as on the amount of volume, depending on the age of the baby.

The mixture dissolves perfectly even in cold water, and it diverges very well: no lumps are formed either at the bottom or on the surface, although the manufacturer recommends diluting the product at a temperature of 40 degrees. Suitable for most babies, copes well with colic and constipation. Due to the presence of all the necessary substances and minerals, the baby, when using such a mixture, gains weight according to the plan.

Advantages:

• The original composition of the mixture with the addition of all the necessary nutrients;
• Colic, regurgitation disappear in children, allergic reactions do not occur;
• Mixes well even in cold water;
• Babies enjoy eating these products.

Disadvantages:

• The measuring spoon that comes with the composition is often located at the very bottom of the jar;
• Relatively high cost.

Semper Baby Nutradefense

5. Nutrilon Superpremium

This company has been in the baby food business for over 40 years, and the experts have done well in this matter. Researchers studied mother's milk, tried to find out the optimal ratio of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. As a result, they have an optimal mixture that can be used as a main or additional food. In addition, the products are so similar to mother's milk that they are recommended for a smooth transition from breastfeeding to formula-feeding, if necessary. The composition lays a solid foundation for the health of the baby. The developers have added a significant amount of DHA / ARA fatty acids to it, which contribute to the rapid development of the baby's intelligence. There are also milk lipids in the mixture, due to which the entire necessary spectrum of minerals is provided, and this complex is perfectly balanced.

All prebiotics present in the composition are aimed at the active development of immunity. The mixture is produced in containers weighing 400 or 800 grams. The packaging is made of materials that allow you to hold it with one hand, without fear that it will slip out of your palm. Preparation of the mixture takes only a few seconds, and you can use ordinary boiled water at room temperature, you do not need to heat it. This allows you to quickly make food for the child, for example, at night, when there is not much time for cooking, and the baby screams a lot and can wake up the household.

Benefits:

• The composition contains biologically active components that ensure the growth and development of the child;
• The composition is aimed at the prevention of most pathological processes;
• The product has the same ratio of fats, proteins, carbohydrates and lactose as in human milk;
• There is an improvement in the functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract in the baby;
• Produced on the basis of original European technology;
• Found in almost every major grocery store;
• Acceptable cost.

Flaws:

• Minor amounts of coconut and palm oil present;
• Some parents find that the product does not taste very good.

Nutrilon Superpremium

4. Nestogen

Carefully balanced nutrition ensures the normalization of the child's digestive system and, consequently, the proper development of the entire child's body. The mixture is absolutely safe, absorbed almost instantly. The contained prebiotics not only make the digestive process stable and relieve constipation, but also contribute to the beneficial development of the intestinal microflora and prevent regurgitation. Depending on the numerical marking, the mixture can be given to children from birth until the age of two. It is produced in cardboard packages, but the powder of the mixture itself is in sealed foil packaging.

The composition contains all the micro and macro elements that are necessary for a growing child's body. There are also fats and amino acids that can make up for the lack of nutrients.

Benefits:

• Dissolves almost immediately in water;
• The composition is balanced, it is aimed at ensuring that absolutely all components of the mixture are fully absorbed by the baby's body;
• There are fatty acids that are aimed not only at improving immunity, but also at improving brain function and developing vision;
• Well adapted for children with any health condition;
• Improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, including the normalization of the stool.

Faults:

• Parents often say that the mixture is too sweet;
• Foil bag does not have a snap closure;
• Contains no probiotics.

Nestogen

3. Nutrilak (InfaPrim) 1

Finally, we can present you the products that open the top four of the best infant formulas. This composition is made on the basis of whey protein of the highest quality. It also contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, which positively affect the state of the child's cardiovascular system, ensure the development of the brain and vision. In addition, the mixture provides a well-balanced complex of vitamins necessary for the child, which was developed by the company's researchers, taking into account the age characteristics of the baby. It is well thought out, contributes to the harmonious growth and development of the body.

The mixture also includes vitamin D and calcium, which, together with other beneficial substances, are well absorbed by the child's intestines, and act on bones and teeth, strengthening them. The iron and zinc contained are designed to prevent anemia. The complex of antioxidants and biologically important nutrients are designed to protect the baby from most adverse environmental factors.

Advantages:

• Very reasonable cost of the mixture - it is one of the cheapest among all on the market today;
• No palm and rapeseed oil in the composition - many parents have a negative attitude towards these substances;
• Dissolves almost instantly;
• Every baby eats this mixture with pleasure.

Disadvantages:

• Not very convenient packaging, including measuring spoon.

Nutrilak (InfaPrim) 1

2. BIBIKOL Nanny Classic

Depending on the label, it is used from birth until the child reaches the age of two. The composition is a dry, fully adapted milk formula, which is produced on the basis of goat milk, which is obtained in New Zealand farms. The natural conditions in this country make it possible to fully provide animals with fresh grass throughout the year. Product developers were able to fully preserve all the beneficial qualities of goat milk, largely due to the original production technology of its composition. It contains less alpha-S1-casein and beta-lactoglobulin when compared to standard baby food formulas made from cow's milk. In addition, the composition contains natural milk fat and oils of vegetable origin of the highest quality.

Goat milk contains nucleotides, membrane components of fat globules (for example, phospholipids), oligosaccharides in sufficient amount for a child's organism. The optimal amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids has been added to the mixture, there is a carefully balanced vitamin-mineral complex designed exclusively for the child.

Benefits:

• Goat's milk causes fewer allergic reactions than cow's;
• Great for lactose intolerant children;
• Quite tasty product;
• Easily digested in children's intestines;
• Minimum risk of allergic reactions.

Disadvantages:

• Slightly more expensive than products made with cow's milk.

BIBIKOL Nanny Classic

1. NAN Optipro

In the first place of the rating was the product of the Swiss brand, which is preferred by many parents largely due to its good qualities and pleasant taste. The main distinguishing point of this mixture compared to all other products that we considered as part of our review is the presence of beneficial bifidobacteria here. Otherwise, this is also an adapted dry milk mixture that can be fed to a child from the very moment of birth. The composition is carefully balanced, so the manufacturer guarantees with confidence that the baby will receive all the necessary nutritional compounds, vitamins and minerals that are required for his physical, psychological and mental development in the first months and years of life.

There is a unique Optipro complex here, which provides the baby with the required amount of protein, and bifidobacteria help to form and improve immunity. The mixture contains the right amount of trace elements, minerals and vitamins. Products are manufactured using the highest quality raw materials. It will not be possible to detect flavorings, genetically modified foods, preservatives and dyes. The mixture is very pleasant in taste, it contains a variety of vegetable oils, as well as fish oil, instead of standard table salt, magnesium chloride is used here. It is diluted with water of any temperature - better than room temperature, so that later it does not have to be heated.

Benefits:

• Excellent product quality;
• Widely available in all grocery stores;
• Does not cause colic or loose stools;
• Convenient packaging;
• Easily dissolves in water.

Flaws:

• Except for the relatively high price was not found.

NAN Optipro

In conclusion, useful video

Our review of the most popular infant formulas on the Russian market has come to an end. If you still have some questions or want to share your impressions of the use of a particular product - welcome to the comments on this article. It will be very interesting for us and our readers to know your opinion.

There is a severe shortage of powdered infant formula in America

05/20/2022 at 15:12 Society 1441

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The situation with infant formula has become so critical that Senator Tom Cotton has already called it a "national crisis", Congress began an investigation, and President Biden was forced to announce measures to curb the deficit.

Deliveries of infant formula to stores have been so reduced that large retail chains and pharmacies are forced to limit the number of cans "in one hand." For example, CVS and Walgreens only sell three packages of dry mix at a time. According to Datasembly, a company that tracks price indexes and sales of various products, in the first week of May, the lack of milk formula in warehouses across the country was 43% (for comparison, in April - 40%, and in November last year - 11%). Worst of all is the situation with warehouses in the states of Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Missouri, Texas and Tennessee. Accordingly, prices rose sharply - by 18%. On eBay, some savvy sellers offer a $200 can of powdered formula, and there are sure to be buyers: in the US, three-quarters of children receive either full or partial formula in their first six months of life. Worst of all are those families whose children, for medical reasons, cannot eat anything other than these mixtures.

Abbott fights bacteria

What caused this crisis? The official version, which we already wrote about: in February, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that certain mixtures of Similac (Similac), Alimentum (Alimentum) and EleCare (EleCare) are contaminated with the dangerous bacterium Cronobacter sakazakii, which can lead to death. Four kids were hospitalized, two died. Abbott Nutrition has announced a voluntary recall of some batches of this baby food that was produced at its plant in Sturgis, Michigan (these powdered formulas were found to be contaminated). In early March, several more dry mixes produced at the same plant were recalled due to Salmonella contamination.

Bacteria in baby food is not uncommon. Back in 2004, the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFA) of the World Health Organization revised the International Code of Hygienic Practice for Foods for Infants and Older Children, tightening the requirements, including due to cases of contamination of mixtures with bacteria. A review of Abbott's records shows that the company has had to destroy batches of premixed formulas in the past due to the presence of Cronobacter. In addition, in February, the FDA emphasized that the recall only applies to dry powder from certain batches, and does not apply to liquid infant formula and other baby foods manufactured by Abbott Nutrition. In other words, it is hard to imagine that a temporary shutdown of the production line of several (!) dry mixes at one plant can lead to such a large-scale national crisis. Not to mention the fact that other manufacturing companies were not affected by the recall, and they continue to produce their products.

Furthermore, the company's official statement dated May 11 states: “After a close examination of the situation, there is no evidence that these cases [infant deaths - Ed.] are associated with the consumption of our baby food; the bacterium Cronobacter sakazakii, which was found during testing, was in areas not in contact with products. The bacterial samples found at the plant did not match the strains found in the babies' tests. An Abbott spokesperson also said that all products tested for Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella were negative and that no Salmonella was found at the Sturgis facility during the investigation.

However, the FDA insisted that infant formula was produced in unsanitary conditions, and Abbott's internal records showed that the company destroyed some of its products due to bacteria in the factory. On May 16, Abbot reached an agreement with the FDA that allowed the production lines to restart. The company reportedly acknowledged the unsanitary conditions at the plant and is committed to rectifying the shortcomings. In addition, Abbott has agreed to engage external experts who will develop a plan to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination at the plant and conduct periodic assessments to ensure the company is in compliance. In the event that any products again test positive for bacteria, the company will be required to dispose of them and stop work until the source of infection is eliminated. If Abbott does not comply, it faces $30,000 in damages per day of violation (up to $5 million in annual fines). The terms of the agreement are valid for at least 5 years.

FDA chief Robert Kaliff stated, "The public can be assured that our FDA will do everything possible to ensure that baby food continues to meet safety and quality standards." The agreement between Abbott and the FDA has been approved by the US District Court for the Western District of Michigan. However, it’s too early for parents to rejoice: Abbot said that a restart is possible within two weeks, and mixtures will appear on store shelves no earlier than in 6-8 weeks.

Disrupted logistics and monopolies

Another reason that is less talked about is disruptions in the supply chain. Everything affects: a critical shortage of labor (which we have already written about more than once), problems with the production of packaging and transportation. All this together affects the production and distribution of goods. According to Datasembly CEO Ben Reich, "the economic situation affects this category of goods more than others."

The crisis has reached such proportions that even the federal authorities were forced to react. On May 12, President Joe Biden met with representatives from Walmart, Target, Reckitt and Gerber to discuss ways to reduce the deficit. He also instructed the Federal Trade Commission to use its powers to monitor allegations of price gouging and the Justice Department to work with state attorneys general to crack down on retailers who took advantage of the situation.

On May 13, the House Oversight Committee announced that it had launched an investigation into the baby food situation. Letters were sent to all four manufacturers asking them to explain how they plan to handle the crisis and what they are doing to prevent this from happening in the future. In addition, the Committee will also investigate allegations received from consumers of price gouging. The meeting of the Committee on this issue is scheduled for May 26.

At the same time, the recall of goods for one reason or another is a common occurrence. Thousands of medicines and products are withdrawn from sale every year, and yet there is no nationwide crisis, and sellers do not restrict the sale of essential items in the spirit of Soviet trade.

Four large companies now control 90% of America's supply of infant formula: Abbott, Mead Johnson, Gerber and Perrigo Nutritionals. Abbott, which makes Similac, and Mead Johnson, which makes Enfamil, have nearly 80% of the market. Mead Johnson has already stated, “We have taken steps to ramp up production of Enfamil and are currently shipping 50% more products to address consumer concerns as quickly as possible.” Considering how the prices for dry mixes have risen, the crisis is beneficial for all manufacturing companies.

It will be easier to import baby food

Another factor that contributed to the crisis is America's regulatory and trade policies. The FDA regulation of infant formula is so strict that most products coming from Europe cannot be bought here due to technical issues such as labeling requirements. There is no question about the quality of European blends: studies have shown that in some respects they can even be better than American ones, because the European Union bans certain types of sugar (for example, corn syrup). The US also restricts the import of formulas that comply with FDA regulations. For large volumes, the import tax for mixtures can exceed 17%. Currently up to 98% of the baby food on the market is made in the USA. And during a crisis, the lack of alternative supplies becomes a rather big problem.

Therefore, for the first time, an unprecedented step is announced - the US intends to increase imports of infant formula in order to reduce the nationwide shortage. Potential importers in the FDA are manufacturers from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the Netherlands. On May 16, the FDA called on foreign manufacturers to apply to import their products into the United States. It is reported (however, without going into details) that the verification process will be "optimized". White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that "priority will be given to applications from those companies most likely to be able to prove product quality and be able to get the most baby food to American stores as quickly as possible." Thus, the advantage will be given to large manufacturing companies, which will be able to quickly cover the shortage that has arisen.

However, even if import applications and related documentation confirming the safety of mixtures are submitted, relatively speaking, tomorrow, it may be weeks before the products reach the stores. Once the application is filed, the FDA will still need to review the baby food to ensure quality control to American standards. The import facilitation policy was adopted as a temporary measure for the next six months.

In the meantime, parents of babies rush about in search of baby food, politicians from all sides have decided to use the crisis to their advantage. So, Republican Congresswoman Kat Cammack posted a video on her Facebook account about how the federal authorities send packages of baby food to the border with Mexico: “American stores have empty shelves, there is no shortage at the border. ” Cammack said the Biden administration should not put the needs of illegal immigrants ahead of the interests of American citizens. Another Republican politician, Rep. Eliza Stefanik, also said it was "absolutely unacceptable" and drew a parallel with Trump's famous slogan, "America continues to be put last." In turn, Democratic politicians Eric Svolvell and Ruben Gallego accused Eliza of wanting to "starve babies" in border centers where illegal immigrants are detained.

Only one thing can be said with certainty: even with the increase in production and the green light for imports, the situation with the shortage of infant formula will not change in the next couple of weeks.

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The authors:

• Victoria Averbukh

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