Recognized annually by the United Nations on June 7th, World Food Safety Day underscores the vital importance of upholding food safety standards to safeguard consumer health worldwide. This day serves as an urgent call to action, emphasizing food safety as an essential pillar for well-being—especially among vulnerable populations such as infants. Neonates, owing to their underdeveloped immune and digestive systems, are at heightened risk from unsafe foods and require specialized preventive strategies and clinical care.

This Research Topic seeks to advance our understanding of food safety challenges unique to newborns and infants, integrating perspectives from pediatric gastroenterology, neonatology, immunology, and public health. By addressing the clinical intricacies of foodborne illnesses and exploring targeted strategies for prevention and management, this collection aims to inspire research and interventions that directly enhance food safety for infants during their most critical developmental phase.

In response to evolving feeding practices—particularly the growing prevalence of partial or exclusive formula feeding—this topic also invites in-depth reflection on the following areas.

Safety, Efficacy, and Risk Profiles of Infant Formula Feeding:.
Given the increasing use of formula feeding worldwide, a focused examination of its safety, regulatory controls, and clinical implications has become more essential than ever. We welcome studies assessing the microbiological safety of formula, contamination risks, regulatory compliance, labeling practices, and post-market surveillance.

Timing and Models of Feeding in Preterm Infants:.
Preterm neonates face unique nutritional and immunological vulnerabilities. Research is needed to determine optimal timing and models for introducing and transitioning feeds—including comparisons between mother’s milk, donor milk, and formulas—while evaluating short- and long-term risks such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), feeding intolerance, and developmental outcomes.

Formula Optimization Studies:.
Traditional formula research has largely aimed to mimic the protective and pro-growth components of human breast milk. However, emerging questions call for investigations into whether specific ingredients or additives in commercially available formulas might inadvertently promote inflammation or immune activation, contributing to growth delays or disease pathogenesis in neonates and preterm infants.

We also continue to welcome submissions on:
• Epidemiology and clinical presentation of foodborne illnesses in neonates
• Emergency and critical care management tailored for infants
• Nutritional recovery following foodborne illness
• Immunological and allergic responses in neonates
• Monitoring and managing antimicrobial resistance and emerging pathogens
• Effective parental education on prevention strategies
• Public health policies focused on safeguarding neonates

By concentrating on these expanded themes, we aim to drive meaningful progress in ensuring safe, nutritious, and developmentally appropriate feeding practices for all infants.
Let us celebrate World Food Safety Day by sharing research that protects and promotes the health of infants—our world’s most vulnerable population.

We welcome original research, reviews, and case reports across these themes.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

World Food Safety Day: Innovations in Neonatal Food Safety