Study on the amendment of standard regulations of food additives and contaminants for infant formulas in Korea

Abstract

The aim of this study is to propose suggestions for establishing Korean regulatory standards of infant formula. Accordingly, the regulatory standards for food contaminants and additives in Korean infant formulas were compared and analyzed with those in CODEX, EU, Australia and New Zealand. Several suggestions for regulations were found from different countries. Firstly, it is advisable that additives for nutrient supplement of infant formula be classified as types of nutrients. Secondly, it is proposed that guidelines should be set on the maximum amount of additives in infant formula. Thirdly, pathogens such as Staphylococci and Salmonella of infant formula should be regulated. Finally, present regulations need to establish the maximum permissible levels of some pesticides, Pb and Al, that other countries are already regulating. These proposed recommendations would broaden the scope of infant formula regulatory standards needed for infants' health.