The straightforward answer to this question is - No.
Are European Baby Formulas Irradiated?
By: Suzanne Renee' - Updated December 17, 2023 - 6 Minute Read
Recently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the allowance of importation of baby formulas to increase the availability of infant nutrition across the country. As guidelines are made to ensure the protection of your infant’s health, you may wonder if the topic of irradiation has been covered.
In this article, we are here to give you more information on the topic of "are European baby formulas irradiated?"
Food Irradiation
What is food irradiation? At the very basics, food irradiation is an industrial-scale process that uses radiation to kill bacteria and sterilize certain types of food.
Food irradiation is thought to improve safety and extend food products’ shelf life by effectively destroying organisms responsible for spoilage and foodborne illness. This radiation process may inhibit the sprouting or ripening of some spores and has been used to control insects and invasive pests.
Differences between USA and European Formula Regulations
Food irradiation is permitted in over 60 countries, and about 500,000 metric tons of food are processed in this way annually- all over the world; of course, this includes the European Union and the United States.
It is important to note that the regulations for how food is to be irradiated and the foods allowed to go through the process vary significantly from country to country.
In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of irradiation on overseas, imported foods. Three sources of radiation are approved for the irradiating process: X-rays, Gamma rays, and Electron beams. Even though the FDA claims that irradiated food is safe, several studies have shown radiation’s adverse effects on our food supply.
Austria, Germany, and other countries of the European Union, irradiation is limited to dried herbs, spices, and seasonings and only at a specific dose. Families can feel confident knowing that European baby formula is not allowed to be susceptible to this process in any amount.
What You Need to Know Before Importing a European Formula
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from the EU to the USA enforces admissibility requirements for various regulating agencies.
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialist will conduct a visual and physical inspection of each order, determine if the baby formula is compliant with the agriculture admissibility requirements or needs further inspection, and will ensure your infant’s formula will make it safely to the US without passing through any unnecessary radiation.
Which European Formula is FDA Approved?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced guidelines that outline increased flexibilities regarding the importation of European infant formulas to further the availability while protecting the health of infants.
Understanding the importance of the times, European infant formulas have announced long-term plans to help American babies receive nutrition by ramping up distribution.
Different Types of European Infant Formula
European brands are diligent in ensuring all infants, no matter where they live, have a baby formula that supports their developmental and digestive needs and provides options for all families and all nutritional choices.
Farm-to-bottle, EU infant nutrition regulations have a system of checks and balances ensuring that there is never a trace of pesticides, chemical additives, or toxic ingredients. Of course, this includes no irradiation that may cause unsafe byproducts.
Strict regulations and standards ensure that each European baby formula only uses clean, pure ingredients manufactured and produced to guarantee that the animals, land, and community are all respected.
Why is European Baby Formula Better than American?
European baby formulas find the ingredients left out as important as those included. EU regulations insist that infant nutrition contain more organic and natural ingredients.
European formulas are thoughtfully tailored to your infants’ developmental stages and digestive needs. Proteins are suited for even the most sensitive babies, and micro and macronutrients are balanced for physical and cognitive maturity.
Worries like gassy tummies, colic, and constipationare soothed with the right European formula, including hypoallergenic options. Babies and toddlers with allergies can count on easier-to-digest proteins of goat milk baby formulas and non-lactose vegan infant formulas.
Unlike most American formulas, European-style baby formulas also contain natural prebiotics and probiotics that can help support a baby’s beneficial gut bacteria and healthy growth.
Of course, what makes European nutrition unique is strict standards and stringent regulations, including organic formula.
Organic Baby Formula
European baby formulas are produced using organic farming practices with all infants' physical growth and cognitive development at the forefront. Adhering to firm standards set by the European Commission (equivalent to the FDA in the US), little ones have ensured only clean, pure ingredients are manufactured and produced in an ecologically responsible manner.
Non-Irradiated
Your infant’s nutrition is our number one priority at The Milky Box. We care about each detail, from choosing the perfect formulas to share with your family all the way through delivery to your home.
We are dedicated to ensuring your babies bottle is filled with the best European formula to support healthy growth and development without concerning ingredients or irradiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are European Baby Formulas Irradiated?
How do we make sure the formula we sell is not irradiated?
As an EU-based company, The Milky Box works exclusively with established and trustworthy distributors and shipping companies to get your baby’s nutrition safely through customs.
Each one of your orders will be labeled correctly and contain the paperwork needed to get your baby’s formula to your home as quickly as possible without irradiation.
Disclaimer:
Please be aware that this information is based on general trends in babies, and it is not medical advice. Your doctor should be your first source of information and advice when considering any changes to your child’s formula and when choosing your child’s formula. Always consult your pediatrician before making any decisions about your child’s diet or if you notice any changes in your child.
Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your baby because breast milk provides your child with all the essential nutrients they need for growth and development. Please consult your pediatrician if your child requires supplemental feeding.
Suzanne Renee' is an accomplished professional with extensive expertise in the area of infant nutrition, dedicated to promoting the health and wellbeing of children. She started this journey as a foster parent. Suzanne has emerged as a strong proponent of the European baby formula and has become a full time writer of the subject. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking and going to church.
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Reviewed by Dr. Eric Wood, ND, MA
Dr. Wood is a licensed naturopathic doctor, with a doctorate degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Canada. He received his post-graduation certification in Mind Body Medicine at Harvard University.
With 15 years of experience, Dr. Wood is an Associate Professor of Holistic Nutrition at the American College of Health Sciences in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Wood is an educator, clinician, author, media figure, consultant, and owns his own holistic (naturopathic) medical practice in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Wood is currently researching and drafting books on cancer and pediatrics.
Outside of the medical profession, Dr. Wood loves singing with the Miami Lyric Opera and is an avid musician in South Florida. He also loves spending time with his wife and kids.