FDA Calls for Streamlined Product Recall Communications to Protect Food for Infants and Children

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is calling for increased attention to product recall communications from industry leaders involved in the manufacturing and distribution of infant formula, baby foods and foods intended for children.

As food production and distribution systems advance alongside new communication technologies, the FDA encourages industry members to examine how they communicate with the public and work with the agency when a product is recalled.

“Today, I am asking food industry leaders to join me in my commitment to radical transparency, with a focus on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of infants and children,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Protecting our most vulnerable is not just a moral duty — it is our responsibility. For many children, infant formula is their only source of nutrition. That’s why it’s vital that we use every tool at our disposal to enhance recall communication about these products and other foods for children.”

This outreach to industry leaders complements the FDA’s recent efforts to protect the U.S. infant formula supply, including Operation Stork Speed and an FDA Expert Panel on Infant Formula.

“By issuing this letter, we are taking concrete steps to help protect our nation’s children,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Kyle Diamantas. “We look forward to working with industry to increase public awareness of recalls involving infant formula, baby foods and other foods intended for children. We will also be creating a centralized, consumer-oriented webpage on FDA.gov focused on these products, ensuring that parents and caregivers can easily access the information necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of their kids.”