3 December 2007
We received a petition asking:
"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to enforce the existing UK law on marketing and labelling of infant formula."
Details of Petition:
"According to a government survey, 34% of mothers in the UK incorrectly believe that formula is the same or almost the same as breastfeeding. Regulations already exist (The Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula Regulations 1995) outlawing marketing and labelling which implies formula is the same or almost the same as breastfeeding. They are currently being broken by most formula manufacturers in the UK. Mothers have a right to know the truth about the differences between formula feeding and breastfeeding, in order to make an informed decision about feeding their baby. Aggressive marketing by the formula manufacturers undermines this. The existing law should be properly enforced, including bringing prosecutions against any company currently breaking it."
Read the Government’s response
The Food Standards Agency (FSA), the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services and the relevant enforcement authorities have met to discuss the actions that are being taken on the use of claims in relation to infant formula. As a result of this meeting, the major manufacturers of infant formula have been reminded of their legal responsibilities with particular regard to compositional claims and discussions are currently underway to discuss how full compliance with the appropriate legislation can be achieved.
The FSA recently consulted on a draft revision of the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula Regulations which propose further to clarify the rules relating to the use of claims and to restrict the advertising of infant formula. The FSA is exploring ways to make the new regulations as clear as possible. The FSA will consult publicly on draft guidance which will accompany the new regulations and will provide further guidance to industry and enforcement authorities on how to interpret the new regulations including the labelling and advertising restrictions.