USP standards for infant formula

The U.S. Pharmacopeia proposes adding to the Food Chemicals Codex three nucleotides found in breast milk and commonly added to infant formula, and two DHA oils. USP will add the new voluntary industry standards to the codex following a three-month public comment period ending March 31 to enhance the quality and safety of infant formulas and functional foods. The proposed nucleotide standards - for disodium 5'-uridylate, 5'-adenylic acid and 5'-cytidylic acid - designate the identity, purity and impurities of the ingredients and validated test methods, USP says. The proposed DHA standards are for DHA algal oil, crypthecodinium type and DHA algal oil, schizochytrium type. During a Jan. 14 interview, USP Director of Food Standards Markus Lipp said the standards allow marketers to approach suppliers with a set of minimum requirements for products, and allow suppliers to promote their adherence to the standards to set themselves apart from competitors