West Virginia WIC Policy & Procedure 4.03 Effective Date: 03/30/2026 4.03 Ready-to-Feed Infant Formula

POLICY: Local Agencies must issue all WIC formulas in concentrated liquid or powder physical forms. Ready-to-feed (RTF) WIC formulas can be authorized when determined necessary by the Competent Professional Authority (CPA). WIC formulas mean all infant formulas, exempt infant formulas and WIC-eligible nutritionals. Note: Formula is considered out-of-date on the first day of the month labeled as the expiration date. PROCEDURE: A. Issuance of Ready-to-Feed (RTF) Formulas 1. Ready-to-feed formula can be issued in place of concentrated liquid or powder if the CPA determines and documents that: a. The participant’s household has an unsanitary or restricted water supply. i. This includes a water supply with high iron or high lead content. ii. Ready-to-feed formula can be issued by self-reported information since West Virginia’s County Health Departments and the West Virginia State Laboratory can charge for water testing; b. The participant’s household has poor refrigeration. i. Although allowable for RTF issuance, powdered formula could be a safe alternative if the caregiver can properly mix a bottle; c. The person caring for the participant may have difficulty in correctly diluting concentrated or powder forms; or d. The WIC infant formula is only available in ready-to-feed. B. Additional Issuance Conditions in Food Package III 1. Ready-to-feed formula can also be issued in Food Package III if: a. If a ready-to-feed form better accommodates the participant’s condition; or b. If it improves the participant’s compliance in consuming the prescribed WIC formula.

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West Virginia WIC Policy & Procedure 4.03 Effective Date: 03/30/2026 4.03 Ready-to-Feed Infant Formula

C. Documentation 1. The CPA must document the need for ready-to-feed formulas in the Nutrition Care Plan. D. Formula Changes 1. All formula changes must be completed by the CPA. 2. Only a CPA is authorized to prescribe supplemental foods in quantities that meet the maximum monthly allowance (MMA) and are appropriate for the participant, taking into consideration the participant’s age and nutritional needs. E. Out-of-Date or Damaged Ready-to-Feed Formula 1. Any damaged or out-of-date containers of ready-to-feed formulas in the clinic must be discarded or destroyed. 2. The labels from each container must be removed when discarding or destroying. Note: See Policy 3.08 Returned Formula REFERENCES: 1. WIC Regulations 7 CFR 246.10 Supplemental Foods 2. USDA Nutrition Services Standards, Chapter 13, Food Package Prescriptions 3. USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, Food Package Policy and Guidance, Chapter 2, Food Package Design 4. USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, Food Package Policy and Guidance Chapter 3, Determining Eligibility of WIC Foods 5. USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, Food Package Policy and Guidance Chapter 4, Nutrition Tailoring of WIC Food Packages 6. USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, Food Package Policy and Guidance Chapter 6, WIC Formula

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