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Recent news stories have raised concerns regarding arsenic in infant formula. A
study by Jackson et. al. found elevated levels of the contaminant in two toddler formulas (mistakenly referred to as infant formula) that contained organic brown rice syrup.
Store Brand Infant formulas are not manufactured with organic brown rice syrup.
Infant formulas are highly regulated and must meet rigorous safety and quality standards set by national and international regulatory authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to a
statement from the Food and Drug Administration:
"FDA is not aware of any brand of infant formula containing organic brown rice syrup (OBRS). One brand of "toddler formula" uses OBRS [organic brown rice syrup] as a sweetener. This product is labeled for use in children older than 12 months, however the label also states that a health care professional should be consulted before using this product for infants under 12 months of age."
Products labeled as "Toddler Formulas" for children older than 12 months are not required to adhere to the same FDA standards for Infant Formulas (see FAQ below). Parents should always pay close attention to all infant formula labeling, including age guidance.
Perrigo Nutritionals conducts numerous controls and checks across manufacturing processes for all of our Store Brand infant formulas. Every batch produced has more than 2,300 quality and safety checks to ensure products meet stringent nutritional, safety, quality and regulatory requirements. We utilize independent laboratories, standardized testing and on-going product monitoring programs to ensure that infant formula and the ingredients used in its manufacture are safe.
Perrigo Nutritionals is committed to your infant’s health. Our mission is to produce safe, nutritional products of superior quality at a great value to our customers.
Q. What is the difference between an “Infant” Formula and a "Toddler" Formula?
A. Infant formulas are labeled for use by children under 12 months and fall under a unique set of rules imposed by the FDA. In order to be classified as an Infant Formula by the FDA, products must deliver specified ranges of nutrients (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins), Vitamins (e.g., Vitamin A, Vitamin D) and Minerals (e.g., Iron, Zinc). Every formulation is registered and reviewed by the FDA. These products are subject to extensive testing and quality procedures requested by the FDA. Also, Infant Formula manufacturing facilities are audited annually by the FDA and must meet quality and safety standards that are stricter than those set for regular food manufacturers.
Toddler Formulas are labeled for children older than 12 months. These products are not subject to the same level of scrutiny for nutrition, testing or manufacturing audits.
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