Specific Requirements and Manner of Labelling of Infant Milk Substitute and Infant Foods : Module 11

Specific Requirements and Manner of Labelling of Infant Milk 

In the earlier articles we have been discussing the general requirements of labeling and the information in general to be given on the label of any package of food. In addition to the general requirements and information, there are also some specific requirements and information, which are product specific and mandatory to be given on the label on the packages of food products. 

The packages of food products like: 

(i) Infant Milk Substitute and Infant foods including Infant Milk Substitute meant for premature baby or meant for babies who are allergic to milk proteins or allergic to milk sugars 

(ii) Edible oils and fats 

(iii)Irradiated foods and 

(iv) Other Food Products namely ; Coffee-Chicory Mixture, milk and milk powder, Compounded Asafetida, Mixed Masala, Iodised salt, Pan masala , Supari ,

Packaged drinking water and many others , are required to give certain product specific information , statements or warnings, which are as given below :- 

1. Infant milk substitutes /infant foods 

The container of infant milk substitute or infant food shall bear the following additional label declaration in the manner give below: 

“IMPORTANT NOTICE” :“MOTHER’S MILK IS BEST FOR YOUR BABY” 

(This declaration shall be given in the center of the label in color contrast of the label and the letter shall be not less than five millimeters .) 

“Infant food shall be introduced only after the age of six months and upto the age of two years” 

“ Infant milk substitute or infant food should be used only on the advice of a health worker “ 

Warning :” Infant milk substitute or infant food is not the sole source of nourishment of an infant” 

Instruction for appropriate and hygienic preparation including cleaning of utensils, bottles and teats .