ELSE NUTRITION HOLDINGS INC. (TSX: BABY) (OTCQX: BABYF) (FSE: 0YL.F) (“Else” or the “Company”), a global leader in wholefood, plant-pased childhood nutrition for babies, toddlers, children and adults, today applauds the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations for the full-committee passage of the FY2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This landmark legislation includes vital language recognizing the importance of expanding access to alternative infant formulas—specifically plant-based, non-soy, and non-dairy formulations—for a growing number of American families.
The accompanying report directs the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to streamline approval pathways for small domestic manufacturers and calls for formal regulatory guidance around non-dairy, non-soy plant-based formulas. These are critical for infants with allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities to traditional ingredients—as well as for families seeking nutritional alternatives aligned with health, lifestyle, or ethical values.
“This marks a turning point for American families and for Else Nutrition,” said Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO & Co-Founder of Else Nutrition. “For too long, parents have had to choose between limited formula options that may not meet their child’s needs. This legislative milestone signals that change is coming—toward a more inclusive and diversified infant formula landscape. We commend Congress for recognizing this urgent need and taking action that we believe will benefit families for generations to come.”
Although these types of advanced formulas have gained traction in global markets, regulatory delays have historically constrained innovation in the U.S. market. The recently advanced legislative language is a strong signal to the FDA to establish clear, actionable guidance that can accelerate the availability of safe, effective, and scientifically backed alternatives.
The report also highlights the Operation Stork Speed initiative, part of the Administration’s broader effort to fast-track innovation in the infant formula space. By elevating plant-based, non-dairy, non-soy formulations as a key component of this initiative, the legislation reinforces the national commitment to nutritional accessibility and product diversity.
While additional legislative steps remain—including passage by the full House—the inclusion of this language in the committee’s final report is a powerful indication of Congressional momentum. Though report language is non-binding, it frequently shapes agency priorities, resource allocation, and the pace at which new regulatory frameworks are developed.
For Else Nutrition, the implications are clear: the path to broader U.S. market access is becoming more defined.
“This is the clearest signal yet that U.S. policymakers are aligned with what we at Else have long championed—that every child deserves access to safe, effective, and nutritionally complete formula options,” Yitzhak added. “We look forward to supporting this important public health mission by working with the FDA and other federal partners to help bring innovative solutions to more families, more quickly.”
