To ensure national uniformity with respect to certain requirements relating to preterm infant formula, and for other purposes.

This bill focuses on preterm infant formula. It tells the Food and Drug Administration to study how available these products are, review all federal and state rules that touch them, and say whether FDA should require pre-approval before these formulas can be sold. A report to Congress is due within two years.

For the first two years after it becomes law, it blocks states and cities from enforcing different or extra rules about preterm infant formula. This covers things like how it’s made, tested, labeled, marketed, and kept safe, so the rules are the same nationwide. Lawsuits can still go forward if a manufacturer’s willful misconduct causes death or serious injury. Such cases can be moved to federal court, and the person suing must prove willful misconduct by clear and convincing evidence. Any ongoing cases that try to enforce rules now blocked by this bill must be dismissed to that extent .

Key points

• Who is affected: Families with premature babies, hospitals and clinics using these formulas, and formula makers.
• What changes: FDA study and recommendations; nationwide consistency by limiting different state rules for two years; limited path for lawsuits involving willful misconduct .
• When: Starts on the date it becomes law; the uniform-rule period lasts two years; the FDA report is due within two years.