

Thus, most families receiving WIC must obtain some infant formula beyond what is provided by WIC if their infant is fully formula-fed.Īccording to a study in Clinical Pediatrics 4, two-thirds of families in the WIC program run out of WIC-supplied baby formula toward the end of most months. Considering unavoidable small amounts of wastage, this is approximately 80% of a typical infant’s needs 3. Each container provides approximately 90 ounces (2700 mL of formula), or enough for close to three days. In Texas, for example, the maximum amount of formula provided in the first three months of life is nine containers of 12.4 oz powder, or approximately 112 ounces of powder. WIC is a supplemental program it is not intended to provide for 100% of an infant’s needs 3. Consequently, store brand infant formulas are not available to parents through the WIC program. Perrigo chooses not to participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) selection process. All infant formula legally sold in the USA must meet these requirements. With this addition, the number of required nutrients increased from 29 to 30 nutrients with minimum and maximum levels. Selenium Added as Required Nutrient in 2015.In 2014, the FDA issued a final rule under section 412 of the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act that finalized manufacturing and quality control procedures to prevent the manufacture of adulterated infant formula, ensure the safety of infant formula, and ensure that the nutrients in infant formula are present in a form that is bioavailable to ensure the growth of infants. Infant Formula Act of 1986: Requires infant formula manufacturers to submit formulas to the FDA when there is a major formulation change and clarifies quality regulations.Infant Formula Act of 1980: Set mandatory requirements for labeling, quality, and recalls as well as nutrient content minimums for 29 nutrients.In fact, Congress has passed legislation mandating specific requirements to ensure the health of all children:

All infant formula legally sold in the United States must meet the same FDA standards for quality and nutrition.
