1. What is infant formula for special medical purposes?

Breast milk is the most ideal food for infants, but when a small number of lactating mothers cannot breastfeed due to diseases, insufficient milk secretion, or no milk secretion, formula foods are needed to provide nutrients for the growth and development of infants and young children. Infant formula food is an important or even the only source of nutrients for infants and young children unable to be breastfed. In addition, among the newly born babies in China every year, some newborns cannot be fed breast milk or general infant formula due to various diseases, such as infants with milk protein allergy, lactose intolerance, and premature/low birth weight. Infant formula for special medical purposes is the main food source for these babies to survive in their early lives or for a long time.

In order to guide and standardize the production and operation of infant formulas for special medical purposes in China, the former Ministry of Health formulated the National Food Safety Standards General Rules of Infant Formulas for Special Medical Purposes (GB 25596-2010). Among them, infant formula for special medical purposes is defined as: powdered or liquid formula designed for infants with special medical conditions such as special disorders, diseases or medical conditions. Under the guidance of a doctor or clinical dietitian, when consumed alone or in combination with other foods, its energy and nutrients can meet the growth and development needs of infants with special medical conditions between 0-6 months of age.

2. How are infant formulas for special medical purposes classified?

Appendix A of the National Food Safety Standard General Rules of Infant Formulas for Special Medical Purposes lists six common types of infant formulas for special medical purposes in China, which can meet the needs of most infants with special medical conditions in China. The product categories and applicable special medical conditions are as follows: