- Please be assured that the quality and safety of our products are our number one priority.
- The key purpose of infant formula regulation is to ensure all infant formula has the appropriate nutritional composition and are safe for use.
- These regulation changes are based on latest scientific evidence and opinion on what is best for infant nutrition.
- All of our updated formulations comply with EU regulation which ensures formulations are suitable and safe for babies.
We are updating some of our formulations to meet new EU legislation which sets the nutritional composition of all formulas*. Due to ongoing research into infant nutrition, the new legislation reflects the latest scientific understanding and these updates apply to all formula brands, including Cow & Gate.
To ensure our products are always available to you, the updated formulations will gradually replace the current ones from October 2019.
We understand any changes to your baby’s milk, no matter how big or small can raise questions. Please be reassured that baby formula is one of the most strictly regulated and tested products in the world and both our current and soon-to be reformulated Cow & Gate products have been rigorously tested and are of the highest quality. For more information about these changes, please see below:
*Infant milks, follow on milks, and specialised milks. Growing Up milks are unaffected by the legislative changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- We are updating our Cow & Gate formulations to meet new EU requirements for infant and follow on milks*. The legislation that sets requirements for the nutritional composition for infant, follow on formulas and specialist milks is changing in the coming months and this means that all formulas will have to contain certain levels of some nutrients. These changes apply to all formula brands, including Cow & Gate. Growing Up milks are unaffected by the legislative changes.
- The main reason for this legislation change is to reflect the latest scientific understanding in infant nutrition and to harmonise rules across all European member states.
*Infant milks, follow on milks and Specialist milks
- There will be changes to the mandatory levels of some vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to meet the requirements of the updated legislation. One of the key changes in the updated legislation is the mandatory inclusion or increase of DHA*, a type of Omega-3 fatty acid.
- As a result of the changes, you and your baby may notice some small differences in the smell, appearance or taste of the product but this is completely normal.
- We understand any changes to your baby’s milk, no matter how big or small, can raise questions so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns.
*DHA: docosahexaenoic acid
- Our updated formulations will gradually replace the previous formulation in all retailers from October 2019 onwards
- The availability of the previous formulations will vary depending on the retailer.
- It is completely safe for you to change your little one’s milk immediately. However, every baby is different and some babies may take more time to settle when changing milks due to slightly different tastes, textures and composition. This is normal and any symptoms should be minimal and temporary (such as changes in stool frequency and colour).
- We recommend allowing some time for your baby to settle with a new formulation, however if you have any concerns please discuss this with your healthcare professional.
- When changing to a new formulation, some babies may need a little time to adapt as they may experience slight changes in digestion, however this should only be minimal and temporary.
- We recommend allowing some time for your baby to settle with a new formulation, however if you have any concerns please discuss this with your healthcare professional.
- Please do not hesitate to contact our careline for further information, or you can speak to your healthcare professional.
- Our Specialist Milks (Cow & Gate Comfort, Cow & Gate Anti Reflux and the Cow & Gate Nutriprem Range) will gradually change to the new updated formualtions from October 2019 onwards.
- All other Cow & Gate formulas will change from the end of 2019 onwards and we will have more information available on our website closer to the time.
- All products must be compliant with the latest legislation by 22nd of February 2020.
- Omega-3 is a family of fats, including long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs). Omega-3 LCPs are important for health and form a key part of a healthy diet.
- DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid. DHA is a type of Omega-3 LCP.
- No, not all formulas will be the same. As a result of the updated legislation, the amounts of some specific vitamins, minerals and other nutrients will change across all formulations in all brands.
- However, manufacturers can voluntarily add ingredients.
- Some of our products contain additional ingredients and different levels of nutrients which make our products distinct.
- Our updated packs will be clearly labelled with ‘UPDATED FORMULATION’ so you know when your formula has changed.
- When making up a feed, it is important to follow the on-pack instructions closely.
- The preparation instructions for our Cow&Gate liquids formulations have not changed.
- The preparation instructions for our Cow&Gate powders formulations have been updated so that you now need to shake the bottle immediately, vertically and vigorously for at least 10 seconds until the powder is dissolved. This is because the powder dissolves better if the bottle is shaken immediately and this helps to ensure that every bottle is made up correctly.
*excluding Cow&Gate nutriprem and other pre-term products
- We completely understand any changes to your baby’s milk, no matter how big or small, can raise questions.
- Please contact our careline at any time using the details below to talk to one of our friendly advisors for more information, or you can speak to your healthcare professional.
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