FACING THE 22 FEBRUARY DEADLINE FOR INFANT FOODS

The updated legal requirements for infant formula, follow on formula and food for special medical purposes destined for infants enters into force on 22 February. Regulations 2016/127 and 2016/128 both cover specific compositional and information requirements for respectively infant formula and follow on formula, and foods for special medical purposes.

Note that requirements for infant formula and follow-on formula produced from protein hydrolysates will only apply from 22 February next year.

At the basis of the mandated compositional changes lies the EFSA review of the nutritional recommendations for infant formula and formula, making that the minimum and maximum intakes of vitamins and minerals have been revised. It has also led to the mandatory inclusion of DHA for the named infant food categories and  revision of the permitted levels of other fatty acids. In addition, a large number of labelling and presentation restrictions are introduced. The Regulation restricts the use of nutrition and health claims other than explicitly foreseen by the Regulation 2016/217. Other communication and advertising restrictions are aimed to support the promotion of breastfeeding, e.g. no use of pictures or text which may idealise the use of the product

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/128 of 25 September 2015 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the specific compositional and information requirements for food for special medical purposes - link

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/127 of 25 September 2015 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the specific compositional and information requirements for infant formula and follow-on formula and as regards requirements on information relating to infant and young child feeding - link