Stakeholder Program on Infant Formula and Adult Nutrition: What Infant Formula Companies Need to Know
What is SPIFAN?
SIPFAN, or the Stakeholder Program on Infant Formula and Adult Nutrition, is an AOAC group that approves, validates, and investigates testing methods for infant formula and adult nutritional products. Specifically, it aims to publish standardized methods to ensure Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals are safe for consumption prior to sale. Testing these products is complicated due to their complex formulations and stability, so having standardized and validated methods is crucial to ensure testing is performed to an industry standard in reproducible and reliable ways.
SPIFAN consists of working groups and expert review panels (ERP) who meet often to discuss the changing needs of the industry, often resulting in call to actions for creation of new methods to test specific ingredients or compounds, like vitamins, proteins, and contaminants.
Following a call to action, companies and researchers will submit methods that address the identified need. When a method is approved by an ERP, it is granted First Action Status. This means the method is approved for use based on its protocols and Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPRs). These are well-developed and carefully validated methods that improve the quality and safety of products within their scope.
After two years of use, the additional data collected by using a First Action Status method is evaluated to ensure the method is performing at an acceptable standard. Methods can be continued, suggested for Final Action Status (meaning it becomes the long term official testing method), or recalled. The ability to recall a method is a strong point of SPIFAN because it ensures methods are accurate and reliable past the initial assessment.
So far, SPIFAN has led to over 50 First Action methods and 20 Final Action Methods since its creation in 2010.
Eurofins' role in SPIFAN:
Eurofins has played a role in SPIFAN since the beginning. When it was formed, Eurofins was the leading contract research organization (CRO) and was chosen to validate all new methods. The company continues to support the program through method development and validation, participation in ERPs, and involvement with annual stakeholder panels.
Eurofins has been directly involved in the development of IF testing methods like Vitamin D, iodine, choline, carnitine, proteins, and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Most recently, a Eurofins method for the analysis of 6 HMOs was granted First Action Status.
This method, titled “Analysis of 6 Human Milk Oligosaccharides in Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals by 2AB labeling and quantification with HILIC-FID” is the first First Action Status method for HMOs in infant formula, which is important since HMOs are found in all IF products. For more information about this method, check out this webinar and infographic.
What it means for infant formula producers, suppliers, and companies:
Our scientists at Eurofins are heavily involved with SPIFAN. This means we know the methods, and we know why they are necessary. Our hands-on experience and expertise with different SPIFAN approved methods is beneficial for customers who can expect accurate results every time. This role is also beneficial for the industry as a whole - we can contribute valuable feedback to method reviews, making sure only reliable approaches are continued. The experience with method development at Eurofins sets the company apart – we truly understand every step of the process, from sample preparation and data interpretation. Our scientists are also able to make sure customer needs are heard at ERP and Stakeholder meetings, ensuring necessary methods are produced in a timely manner. Reach out today to learn more about Eurofins’ testing capabilities!
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