When buying organic baby formula, you can rest assured that the ingredients are pure and free of synthetic substances. You won’t find synthetic growth hormones, pesticide residues, or genetically modified organisms. Organic formulas are formulated using only ingredients deemed safe for your baby by the National Organic Standards Board, a federal advisory board under the United States Department of Agriculture. Synthetic ingredients approved for organic use are placed on a list called the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances and must be reviewed and approved by the board every five years. But, organic baby formula from The Milky Box is held to higher standards. To qualify as organic, formula must be non-GMO and contain certified organic ingredients and processing aids.
When choosing the best organic formulas for infants, it is important to understand the organic farming standards for baby formula. To ensure your little one receives the highest quality nutrition, visit this informative guide on Mommyhood101 which provides valuable insights into organic farming standards for baby formula.
Ingredients in organic formulas
Considering the benefits of Organic’s Best baby formula for your baby, you may be wondering about the ingredients used in making them. In addition to providing essential nutrients, these products are free of pesticide residue, chemicals, and toxic processing agents. Organic formulas also do not contain carrageenan, highly processed sweeteners, or artificial preservatives. While US brands may be more affordable than European brands, there are important differences between the two. In the EU, for example, sucrose is banned from the formula.
The Bioland label guarantees that the ingredients in organic baby formulas are sourced from a certified organic supplier. This ensures that the company has taken a responsible approach to all of the animals, humans, and the environment. Lebenswert Bio formula contains no corn, soy, or gluten. It’s a member of the Holle group and benefits from the organic certification. Lowenzahn Organics is a contemporary approach to baby formula, making use of the latest nutritional knowledge.
Pesticide residue
In order to determine the presence of pesticides in baby formulas, manufacturers must employ specific analytical methods. The EU has introduced regulations on pesticide residues in infant formula and baby food. These requirements are relatively low and are based on single residue methods. Single residue methods are used to identify individual pesticides, such as propineb, which is commonly found in organic baby formula. The EU requires that the amount of pesticide residue in baby formula must be lower than 0.003 mg/kg.
To determine the level of pesticides in infant food, USDA scientists analyzed 190 samples of baby food. They found that green beans, pears, and sweet potatoes tested positive for five different pesticides. Organophosphates such as methamidiphos and acephate were found on nearly nine percent of the samples. In 1995, the Environmental Working Group tested a similar sample of baby formula and identified the presence of pesticides in nearly half of the samples.
Growth hormones
There are several important benefits to choosing organic baby formula. These include not containing artificial growth hormones, pesticide residues, and other potentially harmful substances. Additionally, organic formulas are backed by the USDA and European Commission. Organic baby formulas contain a minimum of 70% organic ingredients, and they are made with a blend of more than ninety percent natural ingredients. The following are just a few of these benefits.
The study was funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and included David M. Umbach and Walter J. Rogan, both from the University of Minnesota. It also involved a variety of stakeholders, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics, and Social & Scientific Systems, Inc. As a result, many organic baby formulas may contain traces of hexane-extracted algal oil.
Genetically modified organisms
It’s time for manufacturers to start putting a label on their products that tells consumers that a particular product contains GMOs. Some of the most well-known brands, including Similac, Enfamil, and Gerber Good Start, contain GMOs in their baby formula. These ingredients are genetically modified, or GMOs, and are not permitted in organic or natural baby formula. Consumers are beginning to recognize this issue, and are demanding more labels and ingredients labeled without GMOs.
Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the ingredients found in mainstream baby formula, which is often derived from soy or corn derivatives. Unfortunately, 90 percent of corn derivatives are derived from genetically altered seeds. Some companies, including Abbott and Mead Johnson Nutrition, which manufacture Enfamil, have responded to consumer demand by removing these ingredients. In response to consumer pressure, companies like Abbott have begun producing non-GMO versions of their products.
Natural preservatives
In the United States, all infant formulas must meet the strict nutritional requirements set by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. This includes minimum amounts of 29 nutrients and maximum levels of nine. But, organic baby formula is held to higher standards. To qualify as organic, formula must be non-GMO and contain certified organic ingredients and processing aids. Organic products must also comply with the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. Because of this, organic baby formula must be free of artificial flavors and preservatives.
Conclusion
Inorganic baby formulas may contain ascorbyl palmitate and beta-carotene, synthetic nutrients that are not beneficial to the child. These preservatives prevent the oil in the formula from turning rancid and oxidizing. Moreover, they are allowed by federal standards only if necessary. The International Formula Council recommends parents avoid dairy-based formulas with artificial preservatives.
