baby formula

An infant was infected with the bacteria that sparked a recall and nationwide shortage of powdered infant formula last year. Genetic sequencing linked the infection to bacteria isolated from a breast pump.

A new human foods program will be led by a deputy commissioner with authority over policy, strategy and regulatory activities for the part of the agency that oversees 80% of the foods Americans eat.

Toxic metal can be harmful to developing brains. New lead targets are part of a broad FDA initiative to reduce children's exposure to the lowest levels possible.

The factory’s closure in February 2022 contributed to a nationwide baby formula shortage that forced parents to seek formula from food banks, friends and doctor’s offices. Production was restarted in June.

U.S. plants are making more baby formula than ever. But uneven distribution and overbuying means parents can run into empty store shelves.

According to Abbott, the products are being recalled because less than 1 percent of the bottle caps may not have sealed completely, which could result in spoilage.

U.S. health regulators say their response to the ongoing infant formula shortage was slowed by delays in processing a whistleblower complaint and test samples from the nation’s largest formula factory.

Sales of formulas designed for toddlers increased in recent years, but health experts warn parents that once children reach their first birthday, they are generally fine with cow or plant milk. And doctors say toddler formula should not be given to infants.

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf says a nongovernmental research group will convene experts to deliver the evaluations within 60 business days.

Abbott's facility has now closed and reopened twice this year. The baby formula plant had previously closed in February because of bacterial contamination.