Baby formulas are essential for infant feeding in cases where the mother cannot produce sufficient breast milk or is unavailable for breastfeeding. The market for baby formula is growing, with many producers coming up with new brands and types to meet the diverse needs of consumers.
However, the safety of baby formulas remains a concern, with reports of contamination and health risks arising from using some products. Some consumers have recently preferred European baby formulas, citing safety concerns. This article explores whether European HiPP Combiotic Formula or Holle Milk formula is safer than baby formulas produced in other regions.
Who Controls the Production of European and American Baby Formulas?
The safety of baby formula is subject to regulation by national and international bodies.
In the European Union, baby formulas are regulated under the European Commission Directive 2006/141/EC, which sets out standards for composition, labeling, and marketing. The directive also mandates that all baby formulas undergo safety and quality tests before being authorized for sale.
In the United States, baby formulas are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Infant Formula Act of 1980. The act requires manufacturers to adhere to specific nutrient requirements and to demonstrate safety through testing before the product is approved for sale.
Are European Formulas Safer Than Other Country Formulas?
Despite the regulatory framework, safety concerns around baby formulas have arisen from time to time. These are some examples.
- In 2008, the Chinese baby formula market was hit by a scandal after it emerged that some products were contaminated with melamine, a toxic chemical that can cause kidney damage.
- In 2013, the New Zealand dairy industry suffered a similar scandal, leading to a temporary ban on the export of baby formulas to China.
- During the pandemic, some American baby food companies failed to provide a sterile environment for baby food production. Babies suffer from health disorders caused by Cronobacter sakazakii.
These incidents raised questions about the safety of baby formulas and the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks. The European market is famous for its organic baby formulas one can find online, like a BabyMilkBar or local groceries. Their manufacturers exclude all possible harmful ingredients and create safe environments for their creation to get the label “organic.” That’s why parents don’t doubt the safety of organic European baby foods.
What Makes European Baby Formulas Choice #1 Among Parents of Newborns
European baby formulas have gained popularity recently, with some consumers opting for these products over others. European baby formulas are perceived as safer due to the strict regulatory framework in the European Union.
The European Commission Directive 2006/141/EC requires that baby formulas undergo safety and quality tests before being authorized for sale. Additionally, the directive bans using certain ingredients, such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), in baby formulas. The perception of safety has made European baby formulas popular in China, where consumers are willing to pay a premium for these products.
While European baby formulas are perceived as safer, it is essential to note that safety concerns are not limited to specific regions. Baby formula safety is subject to various factors, including production processes, quality control, and supply chain management. In recent years, some baby formula brands from other regions have also undergone safety and quality concerns. For instance, in 2019, a US-based baby formula brand was recalled due to metal pieces in some products. Similarly, a Korean baby formula brand was recalled in 2018 after bacteria were detected in some products.
What Are Organic Baby Formulas That Are So Trendy in Europe and Abroad?
Organic is a synonym for natural, though this notion has a broader meaning concerning baby foods. In this case, it excludes the following ingredients from the ingredients label:
- genetically modified organisms
- pesticides used for grass spraying to kill insects
- antibiotics used for animal treatment
- non-natural stabilizers and thickeners
- chemical taste enhancers
- artificial flavors
- starch (it’s a harmful substance for insulin-dependent kids or those whose blood sugar level is unstable)
Except for good-quality ingredients, European organic baby formula does not contain dangerous bacteria that cause serious health problems. It is due to the high standards that each company follows to pass tests and get permission to produce organic food. The representatives of the EFSA check baby formula in the best independent laboratories to ensure the formula is safe for babies before letting the company sell the product in the European market or export it.
Another demand for organic baby food manufacturers is the eco-friendly environment for milked animals. In other words, all cows and goats must eat grass and hay that haven’t been sprayed with pesticides. Moreover, farmers don’t milk these animals when they get sick or have to pass anti-parasite treatment. Animals remain unmilked for several days after the medication. Afterward, the milk is tested in the laboratory.
Thanks to such a multilayer milk examination, the organic baby formula becomes 100% safe even for infants with sensitive tummies. That’s why certified organic baby food companies never have issues with metal, Cronobacter, and other harmful substances found in baby formula from other countries.
HiPP and Holle have supplied the European baby food market with their formulas, pouches, and snacks for many years. Their products have an “organic” label, meaning they lack harmful ingredients and include only safe components derived from healthy animals and non-GMO plants.
Takeaways
In conclusion, European baby formulas are subject to a strict regulatory framework that ensures safety and quality. However, safety concerns around baby formulas are not limited to specific regions, and incidents have been reported worldwide. When choosing baby formulas, consumers should consider various factors, including the regulatory framework, production processes, and quality control.
Trustable European brands like Holly and HiPP have passed the EFSA testing, so their goods are always top quality. However, consulting a pediatrician before changing an infant’s diet, including switching baby formulas, is important.
