Public Health: Super Kosher Infant Formula

Public Health Briefing

Supply cessation Mehadrin (super-kosher) infant formula

The only producer of Mehadrin (super-kosher) infant formula for the GB market, Kendal Nutricare, has postponed the production of its Kendamil Mehadrin Infant Formula product until at least 2027. This may be for approximately 6 to 9 months until Kendal Nutricare resumes production in 2027, but this may be for longer. We have been advised that the current stock of Kendamil Mehadrin infant formula products have a best before date of between 26 and 29 June. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) remains in contact with Kendal Nutricare. There is no other producer of Mehadrin infant formula that complies with GB infant formula regulations.

Mehadrin infant formula is different to other kosher infant formula because some ingredients are specifically sourced from Israel and a Rabbi inspects the production process. Mehadrin infant formula is used predominantly by Haredi (strict-Orthodox) Jews to meet their religious requirements and by other Orthodox Jews at specific times such as Passover.

We understand there are around 20,000 Haredi Jewish families living in the UK predominantly in the London, Manchester and Gateshead areas. There are around 1,700 births annually within the Haredi Jewish community and breastfeeding rates are generally higher than the general population average. First infant formula (based on either cows’ or goats’ milk) is the only suitable alternative to breast milk in the first 6 months of life and is also the only infant formula needed alongside solid foods from 6 to 12 months.

There are alternative kosher infant formula products available on the GB market and the Kashrut (Kosher) Division of the London Beth Din (KLBD) – the authority on kosher certification and part of the Office of the Chief Rabbi – issues a list of these products to the Orthodox Jewish community as suitable for use, including during Passover. However, we understand that whilst modern Orthodox Jews are likely to use these products, some Haredi Jews may not follow this advice. Some may seek to source other Mehadrin infant formula products internationally (that are not compliant with GB infant formula regulations in terms of composition and labelling requirements), while in extreme cases others may turn to inappropriate feeding practices (e.g. inappropriate milk or food alternatives).

Message from the Department of Health and Social Care 

“We are working with the Jewish community, local partners and across government to provide public health advice to all those affected.

“Families are advised to use appropriate alternative products endorsed by the Kashrut (Kosher) Division of the London Beth Din (KLBD), the UK authority of Kosher certification, and to follow NHS infant feeding advice or speak with healthcare professionals.

“We will also examine options to resolve supply issues in the longer term.”

Public health action

• Public health leads in local authorities and healthcare professionals are asked to engage with their local Orthodox Jewish communities to communicate the supply issue with Mehadrin infant formula and the public health advice below  
• For supplies of Kendamil Mehadrin infant formula and follow on formula, with a best before date of 26 to 29 June, the FSA advice is that foods can generally be consumed after the Best Before date, provided they have been stored and prepared correctly
• Exclusive breastfeeding should be advised for around the first six months of life.  Continued breastfeeding should be encouraged where appropriate.  Where infant formula feeding is already underway, families should be signposted to other kosher infant formula brands that are on the list authorised by KLBD
• DHSC would recommend families choose products on the KLBD list that are available of the GB market – please see table below for further information on infant formula and follow on formula products only (toddler milks have not been reviewed). Please also be aware that infant foods for specials medical purposes should only be used under medical supervision
• Families should be discouraged from alternative approaches to feeding their babies such as seeking to make their own infant formula or diluting formula to prolong its use and signposted to NHS infant feeding advice – see information and resources below
• For information - As some Haredi Jews are less likely to follow the public health advice on alternative kosher products, we have been advised that they may seek the advice of their local Rabbi to use non-Mehadrin infant formula.

Advice to give parents and carers

Families are advised:

• To use appropriate alternative kosher products endorsed by the Kashrut (Kosher) Division of the London Beth Din (KLBD), the UK authority of Kosher certification: Product Lists - KLBD
• To follow NHS infant feeding advice on breast feeding and infant formula feeding
• That the FSA advise that foods can generally be consumed after the Best Before date, provided they have been stored and prepared correctly
• To speak with healthcare professionals and seek advice from their Rabbi if they have any questions or concerns.

Resources and information

NHS information on breast feeding and infant formula feeding: https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/

If you are concerned about the health of your baby, contact a health professional or call NHS111: Get help for your symptoms - NHS 111

Public health advice on infant feeding

• UK advice on infant feeding is based on expert advice from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN)
• UK guidance recommends exclusive breastfeeding for around the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods from around 6 months into the 2nd year of life or beyond
• Advice on bottle feeding can be found on the NHS website: Bottle feeding - Best Start in Life - NHS All infant formula, including all kosher formula, sold on the GB market is suitable for meeting the nutritional needs of your baby
• Infant formula (based on either cows’ or goats’ milk) is the only suitable alternative to breast milk in the first 6 months of life and is also the only infant formula needed alongside solid foods from 6 to 12 months
• The government recommends all children aged 6 months to 5 years are given vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D every day. Babies who are having more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day should not be given vitamin supplements. This is because formula is fortified with vitamins A, C and D and other nutrients
• While follow-on formula can be used from 6 months of age, there is no need to introduce it. Follow-on formula should never be fed to babies under 6 months old
• Formula milks (including infant formula, follow-on formula, ‘growing up’ or other ‘toddler’ milks) are not required by children aged 1 year and over
• Animal milks can be given as a main drink from 12 months of age. In addition, the WHO has concluded that infants 6 to 11 months of age who are fed milks other than breast milk, either milk formula or animal milk can be fed. SACN has supported this latter advice in emergency scenarios
• Formula milks (including infant formula, follow-on formula, ‘growing-up’ or other ‘toddler’ milks) are not required by children aged 1 to 5 years.

Kashrut (Kosher) Division of the London Beth Din (KLBD) list of infant formula, follow on formula, toddler milks and infant food for special medical purposes suitable for use during Passover 2026

Brand and product