FDA warns against Chinese infant formula

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said no infant formula made in China has been approved for import into the United States.

Following reports that some Chinese manufactured infant formula has been contaminated with melamine, the agency requested and received assurance from companies that manufacture infant formula for the U.S. market that they are not importing infant formula or source materials from China.

"The following manufacturers have met the necessary FDA requirements for marketing milk-based infant formulas in the United States: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals, and Solus Products LLC.," the agency said in a release. Also, SHS/Nutricia, Liverpool, England, markets an amino acid based exempt infant formula that does not contain any milk-derived ingredients, the agency said.

The FDA said it is investigating whether infant formula manufactured in China is being sold in specialty markets that serve the Asian community.

"We are asking state officials to work with the agency to assist with the removal of any Chinese infant formula found on store shelves, and to warn members of the Asian community to avoid using Chinese manufactured infant formula," the FDA said.