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Guide

Prohibited Products Policy: Medical foods

Last updated on Nov 12, 2024

Reading time: 2 min

In this guide:

Overview
What is the policy?
Policy basics

Overview

Products subject to the Medical Foods policy must also adhere to our other Prohibited Products Policies, as applicable, including our policies on Drugs and Recalled Products. 

What is the policy?

This policy applies to medical foods. Medical foods are a subcategory of foods for special dietary use and are formulated to be consumed or administered under the supervision of a physician. Medical foods are not meant for use by the general public and are intended for dietary management of a disease or condition that has distinctive nutrition requirements, as established by a medical evaluation, and based on scientific principles.

Medical foods may be sold on Walmart Marketplace only under the limited circumstances listed below. If permitted, Walmart Marketplace requires medical food items to comply with applicable Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), state and local laws and regulations, including relevant labeling provisions.

Additional Information

Statements made about medical foods on Walmart’s Marketplace must be truthful, not misleading and supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence. The FTC’s Health Products Compliance Guidance is a helpful tool for determination of what kinds of claims are appropriate for medical foods.

Policy basics

Prohibited	Allowed
Medical foods that require a prescription as evidenced by a reference to Rx, Rx only or prescription only statement on the label. Medical foods that don’t comply with the FDC Act and FDA’s implementing regulations and guidance, including those that are or would be deemed adulterated or misbranded. Medical foods that are subject to regulatory action or other enforcement. Medical foods that aren’t manufactured in an FDA-registered facility. Exempt infant formulas that aren't listed with FDA. Medical foods named in FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts. Medical foods identified in FDA Warning Letters or manufactured at facilities identified in an FDA Warning Letter. Medical foods that are identified in FDA Consumer Safety alerts. Medical foods alleged or determined by the FTC to have made false, misleading or unsubstantiated claims. Medical foods marketed or labeled for pregnant women. Medical foods for the dietary management of diabetes mellitus. Medical foods labeled as dietary supplements. Special infant formulas for infants with inborn errors of metabolism.	Medical foods for children and adults with inborn errors of metabolism. Oral rehydration solutions labeled as medical foods.

Prohibited

Allowed

Medical foods that require a prescription as evidenced by a reference to Rx, Rx only or prescription only statement on the label.
Medical foods that don’t comply with the FDC Act and FDA’s implementing regulations and guidance, including those that are or would be deemed adulterated or misbranded.
Medical foods that are subject to regulatory action or other enforcement.
Medical foods that aren’t manufactured in an FDA-registered facility.
Exempt infant formulas that aren't listed with FDA.
Medical foods named in FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts.
Medical foods identified in FDA Warning Letters or manufactured at facilities identified in an FDA Warning Letter.
Medical foods that are identified in FDA Consumer Safety alerts.
Medical foods alleged or determined by the FTC to have made false, misleading or unsubstantiated claims.
Medical foods marketed or labeled for pregnant women.
Medical foods for the dietary management of diabetes mellitus.
Medical foods labeled as dietary supplements.
Special infant formulas for infants with inborn errors of metabolism.

Medical foods for children and adults with inborn errors of metabolism.
Oral rehydration solutions labeled as medical foods.

Notes

The information found within this policy and the related hyperlinks is for general informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice. This policy may contain links to third party content, which Walmart does not warrant, endorse, or assume liability for and your reliance on such content is solely at your own discretion.

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About Walmart.com

Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better- anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 240 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 20 countries. With fiscal year 2023 revenue of $611 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity.