Faqs

Q. My pediatrician told me that my child should use a specialized infant formula but I see that it does not have a kosher certification. Can I use it anyhow?


A. Most of the infant formula produced in the United States is kosher-certified and does not pose any concern to kosher consumers. There are even plenty of kosher options for children who cannot tolerate standard formula.

However, there is one type of infant formula whose status is a bit more complicated. This formula - which is sold under the names "Nutramigen" or "Alimentum" - includes an enzyme derived from pigs, and this enzyme helps pre-digest certain proteins to make the formula tolerable for certain children. Pigs are not kosher, and clearly a formula that contains pig byproducts cannot be certified as kosher. Nonetheless, due to the relatively small amount of non-kosher mixed into the formula Jewish Law allows children to consume the formula. [These formulas are produced at companies where all of the other ingredients are certified as kosher.]

Lastly, there is Neocate, an infant formula for children with severe food allergies. It is not kosher-certified, but Rabbis from different kosher agencies have visited the factory and are in contact with the company to assure that all ingredients used are kosher.