US FDA proposes new nutrient limits, labeling rules for infant formula

Oct 29 (Reuters) – The US Food and Drug Administration proposed new nutrient limits and labeling rules for infant formula on Thursday, as ​part of its ongoing review of baby ‌formula nutrients.The FDA launched “Operation Stork Speed” last year, which began a nutrient review process and increased testing for heavy metals and other contaminants in infant formula, while also urging ‌companies ​to develop new products.Here are ⁠more details:• The rule, ⁠if finalized, will amend limits for four required nutrients — iodine, vitamin A, vitamin D, and manganese — and establish a maximum level for manganese• ​It would also change how vitamins A and D are measured, allow a new source of ⁠vitamin A and revise labeling ⁠requirements• The agency assessed four additional ​nutrients — chloride, selenium, potassium, and sodium — and concluded that ​current required levels were appropriate• FDA has urged ‌the infant-formula industry and supply-chain partners to exercise substantive oversight of their suppliers following several product recalls and recent infant botulism cases• The agency plans ⁠to propose more rules covering the remaining nutrient specifications, and then issue one final rule covering all the changes• ⁠The FDA ‌said it would conduct an external ⁠peer review on all scientific information ​used ‌to develop any final rule• The ​agency estimated ⁠the changes would lead to annualized costs of $8.4 million to $31.7 million a year for formula manufacturers, with a primary estimate of $17.6 million at a 7% discount rate(Reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by ​Jonathan Ananda)