Consumer Health – USA/Europe/Asia/ROW Regulatory News – May 2024

USA

Infant Formula Safety and Oversight

Infant formula remains a vital source of nutrition for many babies in the United States, and the FDA continues to prioritize ensuring its safety and nutritional adequacy. The agency regulates how infant formula is produced, works closely with public health partners to provide up‑to‑date guidance for caregivers, and is actively pursuing initiatives to improve the availability and resilience of the infant formula supply chain.

Federal Partnership Strengthens Efforts to Reduce Food Loss and Waste

The FDA, USDA, and EPA have renewed the Federal Interagency Collaboration to Reduce Food Loss and Waste (FIFLAW). USAID has officially joined the partnership, expanding its global reach and impact. The renewed commitment reinforces federal efforts to reduce food waste domestically and abroad.

FDA Reorganization Moves Forward to Establish Unified Human Foods Program

The FDA has reached a major milestone with the approval of its organizational restructuring plan. The reorganization includes creating a unified Human Foods Program (HFP), implementing a new field operations model, and modernizing additional regulatory functions. Implementation is targeted for October 1, 2024.

EUROPE

#PlantHealth4Life Campaign Relaunches with Expanded Participation

The second year of the #PlantHealth4Life campaign has officially launched, backed by EFSA, the European Commission, and 22 participating countries. The campaign highlights the importance of plant health for biodiversity, food security, and economic stability, encouraging public engagement across Europe.

African Swine Fever Cases Rise Sharply in 2023

EFSA’s latest annual epidemiological report shows a significant increase in African swine fever outbreaks among domestic pigs in the EU. Fourteen Member States were affected in 2023, with outbreaks increasing five-fold compared to the previous year.

ASIA

SINGAPORE

Recall of WODE Baby Antiseptic Wipes

The HSA has issued a recall notice for WODE Baby Antiseptic Wipes due to safety or quality concerns. Recalls may be voluntary or requested directly by the HSA.

Update on Reclassified Medicines

Singapore categorizes therapeutic products into three access levels:

• Prescription Only Medicines (POM) – require a doctor’s diagnosis and prescription. 
• Pharmacy Only Medicines (P) – available directly from pharmacists for self-limiting conditions. 
• General Sale List (GSL) – safe for short‑term self‑treatment and available from any retailer. 

MALAYSIA

Cosmetic Products Found with Scheduled Poisons

Malaysia’s NPRA has alerted the public to avoid the following cosmetic products, which were found to contain scheduled poisons:

ROW

AUSTRALIA

Product Information (PI) Safety Updates – May 2024

The TGA has released updates to Product Information documents for several medicines after new safety information was identified. These updates ensure healthcare professionals and consumers have the latest information to support safe use of therapeutic products.