Tougher rules on baby formula
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Tighter restrictions have been set out on the promotion of infant and follow-on formula.
The regulations, launched by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Department of Health, will ensure all types of formula meet the nutritional needs of babies and that its marketing does not undermine breastfeeding.
Measures include tighter rules on labelling to clarify that follow-on formula should only be used for infants over six months old, restrictions on advertising and guidance for the industry to apply the new laws.
A 12-week consultation period has started on the draft statutory guidance notes, which will end on 13 February 2008.
An independent review of the regulations will take place after a year to ensure they are working effectively.
Frances Day-Stirk, director of learning, research and practice development at the Royal College of Midwives, said it is a welcome first step but more must be done.
"We are calling for a complete ban on the promotion of breast-milk substitutes, so it is disappointing that this has not been implemented," she said.
- www.food.gov.uk.
