Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) has been approved for use in infant formula products in Australia, with Arla Foods Ingredients granted exclusive commercialisation rights.
This marks the first time one of Arla Foods Ingredients’ early life nutrition products has received approval from Australian authorities. For at least the next 15 months, it will be the only MFGM ingredient approved for use in local infant formula products.
MFGM occurs naturally in human milk and contains phospholipids, sphingolipids and gangliosides. Lacprodan MFGM-10, developed by Arla Foods Ingredients, was the first bovine MFGM ingredient introduced to the global formula market and holds the most clinical documentation related to infant nutrition and immune support.
On 30 April 2025, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approved the use of the membrane as a nutritive substance in infant formula. Following formal endorsement from the Australia and New Zealand Food Ministers Meeting, the approval has now come into effect.
The authorisation applies throughout Australia, where Lacprodan MFGM-10 may be labelled as “milk fat globule membrane-enriched whey protein concentrate”. However, it does not apply in New Zealand, which recently opted out of the joint Australia-New Zealand infant formula product standard.
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Lacprodan® MFGM-10 is not considered a novel food in the European Union, enabling its use in nutritional products for both infants and adults.
“We’re proud to have pioneered the use of MFGM in infant nutrition, which has allowed significant improvements in the creation of scientifically backed formula products,” said senior director, specialised nutrition at Arla Foods Ingredients Jakob Madsen Pedersen.
“Following the recent positive decision about Lacprodan MFGM-10 in the EU, this is another highly welcome regulatory development.
“We’re delighted that its many clinically supported benefits for infants are now also available in Australia.”
Australia’s formula market is one of the fastest-growing globally, with sales expected to reach $487 million AUD by 2029.