Canola oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as an ingredient in infant formula marketed in the US.
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it has no questions in response to a notice that was filed with the agency for the inclusion of canola oil as a source of fat in infant formulas.
Canola oil can be included at levels up to 31% of the total fat blend, and the infant formulas should contain essential fatty acids linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, which aid in infant growth and development.
FDA requires that any ingredient added to infant formulas be GRAS for the intended use. It also requires formula manufacturers to make a submission to the FDA in advance of the marketing of a new infant formula.
