## 1 Introduction  
Infant milk is the first product in a baby's diet that must be of high-quality to ensure healthy growth and development. Of the two sources of infant milk, the main one is breast milk, recognized as the ideal form of infant feeding, and providing multiple benefits for a child's health. The promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding is therefore critical. All organizations worldwide strongly recommend breastfeeding because of its numerous benefits, but it might not always be appropriate, feasible, or adequate for all children [1]. For infants incapable of breastfeeding, who should not receive breast milk, or for whom breast milk is unavailable, high-quality infant formula milk (IFM) is the other preferred option [2]. When the quality of IFM is high, it can be an effective substitute for breastfeeding. For the first six months of a child's life, breastfeeding should be the sole source of nutrition. However, only 38% of infants worldwide are exclusively breastfed, and among Americans, only 13% initiate breastfeeding exclusively for a period not less than six months after birth [1]. With life demands increasing and women's need to work, many mothers rely on IFMs to feed their infants directly after delivery. Because IFM is such an essential product, no home that needs it should be without it, especially when infants require food to meet their nutritional needs. Even though a product identical to breast milk cannot be produced, every effort has been made to mimic and replicate the nutrition profile of breast milk to fulfill infants' needs. IFM is available in three main formula types: (1) cow milk protein-base, the most common type, widely available, digestible, and modified to mimic breast milk; (2) soy-based version, which is suitable for infants who are allergic to cow milk, lactose, and carbohydrate that is naturally found in cow milk, or for parents who would like to eliminate animal proteins from their child's diet; and (3) a protein hydrolysate formula used for infants with severe allergies to protein-based formulas and formulas based on soy, in which the protein is partially or entirely hydrolyzed and broken down into smaller pieces to facilitate digestion [3]. There are also different types of preparation forms for IFMs: (1) Powder. The most common and economical form of infant formula that must be mixed with water before feeding; (2) Liquid. A concentrated liquid that must be mixed with an equal amount of water; and (3) Ready-to-feed. The most expensive form of infant formula that does not require mixing [1]. IFM has faced many issues throughout its history and has been a target for smugglers and those seeking to make illegal high profits due to its critical nature. In October 2008, the world witnessed the worst case of a Chinese scandal involving IFM trading. A substance known as melamine was illegally added to milk to deceptively increase its purported protein concentration, as assessed by nitrogen measurement, and appears to meet the national standard for milk protein. The fraud adversely affected approximately 294,000 children. Around 52,000 infants were hospitalized due to melamine-related urinary stones (MUS), and at least six died [4]. In February 2022, Abbott Laboratories issued a massive recall because some versions of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare baby formula contained Salmonella Newport and Cronobacter Sakazakii bacteria. Laboratory reports confirmed that IFMs were contaminated, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found Abbott failed to maintain sanitary conditions procedures at the Michigan production plant [5]. Infant formula milk supply chain (IFMSC) actors are crucial to ensure IFM quality and safety, particularly raw material suppliers and manufacturers. They must continue improving their performance to meet the community's demands per the agreed-upon standards.