Peptigen IF-3080, one of Arla Foods Ingredients’ protein hydrolysates for infant formula, has received final EU approval. 

In February 2022, the EU introduced new regulations requiring evaluation of the safety and suitability of all protein hydrolysates used in formulas. 

Shortly after, the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) published an opinion that Peptigen IF-3080 ¬was safe and suitable for use in formulas and follow-on formulas in the EU. It was one of only a few milk protein hydrolysates to achieve this status.

“The final step”
Now the product has been included in the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/7 – the final step necessary for it to be used in infant and follow-on formulas sold across the EU.

“It’s great news that Peptigen IF-3080 has completed its journey to market in the EU,” says Anders Steen Jørgensen, head of Arla Foods Ingredients’ Paediatric Business Unit. 

“Safety and quality are paramount in infant nutrition, and this decision reflects our absolute commitment to the highest possible standards. We believe it will benefit manufacturers developing innovative products, as well as increasing the choice of high-quality formula available to parents.” 

Infant formula in the spotlight 
Triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, the supply chain crisis and the product recall from Abbott Nutrition. The US has struggled with infant formula shortages as inadequate supply has kept the shelves empty.

At the end of last year, Arla Foods Ingredients formed a new supply arrangement with dairy producer Milcobel. 

The partnership will involve Milcobel providing whey protein retentate sourced from mozzarella production, which Arla will refine and then use to produce ingredients for high-end protein markets. Such ingredients include milk fat globule membranes for infant formulas and whey protein hydrolysates for medical nutrition products. 

NutritionInsight recently spoke with Eurosérum, Vaneeghen, Kerry, FrieslandCampina and Symrise about the latest market trends and ingredient developments within the sector, who pointed out the trend toward increased nutrition within infant formula.

Previously, the infant formula industry has been “marred with systematic and unethical marketing strategies to influence parents’ infant feeding decisions,” a World Health Organization report revealed.