The ISDI brochure – ‘Use of additives in infant formula and formulas for special medical purposes intended for infants’ – provides the international background regarding additives used in infant formula and formulas for special medical purposes intended for infants.

The Codex Alimentarius international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice contribute to the safety, quality and fairness of international trade. Codex standards are based on sound science provided by independent international risk assessment bodies or ad hoc consultations organised by FAO and WHO.

KEY MESSAGES

1. JECFA and Codex Alimentarius Commission principles are the cornerstone for use of additives in foods for infants

2. The Codex Alimentarius process for authorization of additives in infant formula is robust and ensures a science-based risk assessment with unique considerations for the specialized infant population

3. Use of certain functional classes of additives for specific technological purposes play a vital role in manufacturing safe, high quality formulas for infants

4. Food additives when used as authorized in formulas for infants are safe for this vulnerable group

The brochure is for general information purposes and aims to facilitate the understanding of the Codex Framework applicable to food additives used in infant formula and formulas for special medical purposes intended for infants based on:

• CODEX STANDARD FOR INFANT FORMULA AND FORMULAS FOR SPECIAL MEDICAL PURPOSES INTENDED FOR INFANTS – CODEX STAN 72-1981
• The CODEX GENERAL STANDARD ON FOOD ADDITIVES (GSFA) – CODEX STAN 192-1995

It can be used to support food business manufacturers as an educational material (e.g. internal trainings) or as a background element for discussions with national authorities regarding additives in infant formulas and formulas for special medical purposes intended for infants.

The brochure does not consider the specific situation of additives in infant formulas and formulas for special medical purposes intended for infants in each country and should not be considered in isolation.