Organic Baby Formula FAQs
What is the definition of "organic?"
When Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act in 1990, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program
subsequently developed national organic standards and established an organic certification program based on recommendations of the
15-member National Organic Standards Board. According to the board:
Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and
soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and
enhance ecological harmony.
Organic food handlers, processors and retailers adhere to standards that maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. The
primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants,
animals and people.
What is “organic” baby formula?
In the United States all organic products, including organic baby formula, must be certified in accordance with U.S. Department
of Agriculture (USDA) regulations. Bright Beginnings ORGANIC is certified in accordance with USDA regulations and is
produced without:
- Potentially Harmful Pesticides
- Added Growth Hormones
- Antibiotics
Our organic baby formula contains organic fat, protein, and carbohydrate sources and meets National Organic Program (NOP)
guidelines for substances to be used in organic production. It therefore contains milk from cows that are fed organic feed,
raised with access to the outdoors, and raised without antibiotics or growth hormones.
When you use Bright Beginnings ORGANIC, you are also supporting organic farming practices that benefit the environment
and its waterways. These methods prohibit the use of harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers and encourage crop rotation and
livestock grazing. In this manner, farming and raising livestock the organic way minimizes environmental impact, limits erosion,
and conserves clean water.
What makes organic products different from non-organic products?
Unlike non-organic products, organic products must meet the certification requirements of the USDA National Organic Program.
The NOP ensures that all products bearing the USDA organic label originate from farms or handling operations that are
certified-organic by an NOP-approved state or private organization.
NOP regulations prohibit genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, and sewage sludge in organic food production and handling.
The program requires that crops be raised without the use of most conventional pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers, and
fertilizers derived from sewage sludge. In addition, livestock must be fed organic feed, raised with access to the outdoors,
and raised free of antibiotics or added growth hormones.
Who makes Bright Beginnings ORGANIC?
Bright Beginnings ORGANIC is manufactured by PBM Nutritionals in the only ISO 9001:2000–certified, infant
formula–manufacturing facility in the United States that has been making infant formulas for more than 20 years. Located in
northern Vermont, PBM Nutritionals is the only domestic manufacturer in the infant formula category that adheres to both FDA
guidelines and a stringent set of quality-assurance standards set by the International Organization for Standardization.
PBM Nutritionals is approved by Quality Assurance International (QAI) to manufacture organic milk-based powder infant formula
that is compliant with the comprehensive USDA National Organic Program. According to these strict
manufacturing and handling guidelines, Bright Beginnings ORGANIC is produced without pesticides, added growth hormones,
or antibiotics.
What is unique about Bright Beginnings ORGANIC?
Unlike some organic baby formulas, Bright Beginnings ORGANIC contains the lipids DHA and ARA, nutrients naturally found in
breast milk that are essential for babies’ mental and visual development. Developing infants cannot efficiently produce their own
DHA and ARA and must rely on these fatty acids through breast milk or supplemented formula.*
Bright Beginnings is also the first national brand organic baby formula available for national distribution in retail
outlets.
Can I switch my baby from a non-organic formula to Bright Beginnings ORGANIC?
Yes, you can switch to Bright Beginnings ORGANIC, but remember to consult with a health-care professional.
Who can I talk to regarding the nutritional value of Bright Beginnings ORGANIC?
Our Bright Beginnings experts are ready to answer questions you may have regarding the nutritional value of our baby
formulas.
A toll-free consumer number, 1-800-272-5095, is on every Bright Beginnings can.
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