Comprehensive Assessment of Infant Formula in Austria

On June 18, 2024, the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) officially released the final report on the 2023 special action on infant formula. This special action aimed to comprehensively evaluate the contamination status of specific pollutants and residues in infant formula, covering quaternary ammonium compounds, heavy metals, fatty acid esters (including 2-MCPD, 3-MCPD and their esters MCPD-E), glycidyl esters (GE), chlorates, perchlorates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), mycotoxins, and pesticides.

Through a rigorous testing process, a total of 87 samples were collected and tested. The results showed that all samples met the relevant standards and there were no non-conforming cases.

Although certain pollutants and residues were detected in some samples, such as lead (Pb) in 32 samples and cadmium (Cd) in 25 samples, it is worth noting that the content of these pollutants was far below the maximum permissible limits, and therefore did not pose a threat to the health of infants and young children. Additionally, trace amounts of nickel (Ni) and arsenic (As) were found in 65 and 6 samples, respectively, but their levels were also well within the safe range.

During the testing process, one sample was found to have a chlorate content close to the detection limit, but it did not exceed the safety standard. Furthermore, one sample tested positive for quaternary ammonium compounds, but it also did not pose a health risk.

Notably, all samples were within the normal range for microbiological status, and no cases of pesticide residue exceeding the standard were detected.

In conclusion, the results of this special action indicate that the infant formula available on the Austrian market is of excellent quality and safety, and consumers can purchase and use these products with confidence.