The recent crisis involving contaminated infant formula has led to serious illness in babies around the world and, in rare and heartbreaking cases, death. First and foremost, our deepest sympathy goes out to the families who have been affected. No parent should have to face such fear and uncertainty when feeding their child.

The situation has been traced to ARA (arachidonic acid), a commonly used additive in formula. Specific batches of ARA, supplied by a Chinese biotechnology company to several major global formula manufacturers, have been found to be contaminated. The impacted companies are working to address the issue, recall faulty products from the supply chain, and strengthen safeguards to prevent this from happening again.

Yet, this crisis has exposed vulnerabilities in infant feeding, and we recognize that parents need clear, reliable information. For families in Switzerland, we have gathered the following guidance from official government sources, healthcare professionals and scientific publications:

  • Not all formula products are affected:
    The contaminated batches have been removed from the market. Parents who have already purchased formula can verify product names and lot numbers against the official list published by the Bundesamt für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen (BLV) 

  • Several safe European organic brands are available:
    HIPP, Holle, Kendamil, Lebenswert and Jovie produce their formulas using components sourced exclusively within the European Union and are therefore not linked to the contaminated additive.

  • Switzerland has a breastmilk-sharing community:
    Using shared breast milk may be another option for some families. The Swiss-based platform HM4HB Switzerland (Human Milk for Human Babies) connects families wishing to donate or receive breastmilk. For safety, pasteurization of shared milk for 3-5 minutes at 70° Celsius is strongly recommended.

  • Consider cow milk:
    For children aged one year and older, many experts consider pasteurized cow’s milk to be a safe alternative to formula.

  • Relactation may be a mid-term solution:
    Restarting breastfeeding after a pause is possible for up to two years after birth for some mothers. Practical guidance is available in form of infographics (in German and other languages) from La Leche League International.
    Additional relactation information in English is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including links to resources from the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative, the World Health Organization, and the Emergency Nutrition Network. Find them here.  

 

While infant formula remains a widely used and important feeding option, in light of the latest crisis it is important to move breastfeeding into the spotlight.

According to widely available scientific research, breastmilk continues to be the best nutrition for infants. It provides immune protection at a time when a baby’s immune system is still developing, and it supports long-term immune health. Its composition adapts over time, from hour to hour and month to month, to meet a growing child’s changing needs. Research also associates breastfeeding with cognitive benefits and long-term health advantages. Additionally, breastfeeding offers resilience during supply disruptions or market crises that can complicate access to manufactured products or make their use insecure.

For parents expecting a child, recent events may understandably influence how they think about feeding their baby and access to trustworthy, evidence-based information is essential for making informed decisions. Families in Switzerland who would like support or guidance can consult information from the following reputable organizations:

Parents deserve clarity, safety and compassionate guidance as they make feeding decisions for their children. We hope this information helps families feel better supported during a difficult and uncertain time.