Supporting the continued safe production of infant formula

The safety of formula products for infants and young children is of paramount importance. Recent reports from France of salmonella in some formula milk is deeply concerning and the products in question are rightly the subject of recall.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have confirmed that no UK products have been affected by this issue.

BSNA members adhere to strict safety protocols to mitigate against contamination with bacteria, and formula milks are routinely tested for the presence of pathogens. In addition, all finished products are subject to a range of microbiological examinations before they are released for sale – these will include testing for pathogens and total plate counts. Each production batch is tested and control samples are retained, which can be used for any further testing. Manufacturers are required to have full traceability in place which details where each batch is distributed to, following dispatch from their own warehouse.

Irrespective of where a product is manufactured, the production facilities are subject to food safety inspections by local authorities and are required to comply with EU standards and legal requirements. The industry will always respond to all requests from official Government agencies and local authorities to examine all production records, quality release documentation and laboratory results. At UK level, irrespective of country of manufacture, both the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Trading Standards, along with public analysts, have roles in enforcing the legislation.