Just a couple of thoughts on the discussions regarding infant formula. First
of all, the USDA is the US Department of Agriculture, not the US Dairy
Association (although sometimes it is hard to tell the difference). The USDA defines
what is "organic." The only formula determined to meet the USDA's definition
of organic is Horizon's formula. Formula is still formula-no matter how it is
manipulated. Horizon should not have corn oil and soy oil derived from
genetically modified sources, but it is still not breast milk.

The second item on my mind is the Institute of Medicine's report on the
safety of ingredients new to infant formula. Rather than just reading the summary,
I recommend that Lactnetters read the entire book. The FDA in the US and
Health Canada jointly commissioned this look at how new ingredients are evaluated.
The committee may have many ties to the formula industry but that does not
mean we should ignore this whole report. I learned a lot from reading the entire
report. There were a number of shortcomings that were reported in a loud and
clear fashion. Whether or not the evaluation process will ever improve is
another story. There is much in the report that I do not agree with, but it is a
place to start from in our efforts to hold the government and industry
accountable for how they manipulate the process of putting infant food on the market.

I think this report can give us leverage that we should not hesitate to use.
It is perfect for challenging the formula salespeople when they waltz in to
give in-services or dinners for health care professionals.

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA

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