On July 13, 2026, the Foundation, in collaboration with ByHeart and the International Dairy Foods Association, convened an invitation-only roundtable to examine insights from recent infant formula recall activity and the latest research on Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum). Participants represented the infant formula industry, academia, consumer advocacy, and the Food and Drug Administration.
The resulting report, Applying the Science of Infant Formula Safety: Insights From Recent Recall Activity and the Latest Research on C. botulinum, summarizes lessons learned from manufacturer and regulatory investigations. It explores opportunities to better understand factors that may increase the risk of C. botulinum, strengthen preventive controls, and improve testing methods to help protect the infant formula supply and the families who rely on it.
The report is organized around five key areas: the state of the science related to C. botulinum; data sharing; a collaborative, multifactorial approach to maintaining infant formula safety; FDA collaboration; and potential next steps.
The report presents 22 recommendations to advance research, establish standardized and fit-for-purpose testing methods, strengthen data sharing, validate preventive controls, and improve collaboration across industry, academia, and government. Together, these recommendations support coordinated, science-based action to enhance infant formula safety while maintaining a reliable and affordable supply for families.
