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Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act
1/16/2026, 12:03 PM
Summary of Bill S 272
The primary goal of this legislation is to protect the health and well-being of infants who rely on formula for their nutrition. By testing for microorganisms and toxic elements, such as lead and arsenic, the bill seeks to prevent potential harm to infants who consume contaminated formula.
In addition to testing requirements, the bill also includes provisions for reporting and monitoring of any safety issues that may arise. This will help to ensure that any potential risks are identified and addressed promptly to prevent harm to infants. Overall, the Infant Formula Safety Act is a crucial step towards improving the safety of infant formula and protecting the health of vulnerable infants. By implementing rigorous testing and monitoring measures, this legislation aims to provide parents with peace of mind knowing that the formula they are feeding their infants is safe and free from harmful contaminants.
Congressional Summary of S 272
Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act
This bill imposes certain new requirements on infant formula manufacturers and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following the discovery of contaminated, adulterated, or misbranded infant formula.
Specifically, the bill requires infant formula manufacturers to report to the FDA within one business day of learning that formula that was processed by the manufacturer but that is no longer within the manufacturer’s control may not provide required nutrients or may be otherwise adulterated or misbranded.
Further, if any testing of finished infant formula reveals the presence of specified microorganisms (e.g., salmonella), the manufacturer must notify the FDA within one business day. (Under current law, manufacturers are only required to report contamination to the FDA if the affected formula has left the manufacturer’s control.) The manufacturer must also promptly provide the test results to the FDA and consult with the FDA on proper isolation and disposal of the affected product. The FDA must respond to such a notification and begin discussing proper investigative and corrective action with the manufacturer within one business day.
Within 90 days of a report of adulterated, misbranded, or contaminated infant formula, the FDA must determine whether the manufacturer that reported the problem has performed, or is performing, appropriate investigative and corrective action.
Finally, the FDA is required to periodically report on the infant formula supply chain and efforts to improve the safety and supply of infant formula, and must consult with other federal agencies and infant formula stakeholders on these issues.
