Tighter controls on baby milk
Wednesday 21 November 2007
The Food Standards Agency and the Department of Health have set out stricter controls on the promotion, labelling and composition of infant and follow-on formula.
‘Although breastfeeding is best, we recognise that many mothers choose to use formula milk and it's important that measures are in place to protect them and their babies.’
The new controls will ensure that all types of formula will meet the nutritional needs of babies and the marketing and promotion of such products won’t undermine breastfeeding.
The Food Standards Agency held a public consultation on the draft regulations earlier this year and has today published the responses received on its website. A 12-week public consultation on the draft statutory guidance notes has also begun and the Agency is seeking views from all stakeholders.
The Government is committed to encouraging breastfeeding because of the health benefits both to mothers and babies. However, not all mothers choose to, or are able to, breastfeed and these new regulations will help mothers make more informed decisions.
The new measures include:
- Tighter rules on the labelling of all types of formula clarifying that follow-on formula should only be used by infants from six months of age (an increase from the current limit of four months). Only a small number of approved health and nutrition claims will be allowed on formula milk.
- Tougher restrictions preventing formula being advertised directly to parents.
- Tough new rules on how follow-on formula can be advertised, including making very clear that the product is for older babies.
- Robust guidance for industry and enforcement authorities to correctly apply the new law. Compliance will include ensuring that formula advertising does not use pictures or text comparing products to breast milk and does not feature babies that could be thought to be under six months (even if they are actually older).
The Government is committed to ensuring that the new regulations deliver the best possible level of protection for babies. After a year of the new rules being in place, an independent review will be carried out to check that they are working effectively. Further action will then be taken if needed.
Rosemary Hignett, Head of Nutrition at the Food Standards Agency, said: 'Although breastfeeding is best, we recognise that many mothers choose to use formula milk and it's important that measures are in place to protect them and their babies.
'The guidance provides clear direction to industry on the action they must take in order to comply with the new regulations. The new controls will provide the protection that mothers and babies need and deserve.'
Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said: 'These new regulations will ensure that all types of formula milk are clearly labelled and advertised and that they meet the very latest nutritional standards for babies.
'We are committed to promoting and supporting breastfeeding. More women are choosing to breastfeed and we will continue developing our plans to encourage this trend.
'Some women cannot, or choose not to, breastfeed and it is important that they have the information they need to make the right choice for their baby's health.
'Health visitors and midwives offer the advice, support and information for all parents to make informed choices about how they wish to feed their baby.'
This consultation closes on 13 February 2008 and the final guidance notes will be published as soon as possible after this.