The Commission has published its long awaited report on Young Child Formula.   Despite the fact that Member States wanted action,  the Commission proposes no effective action, and leaves these products opento the market

Nutraingredients: No new legislation needed on ‘growing up milks’ says long-awaited Commission Report  18th April 2016

I’m quoted here as being “really disappointed” by the report in its failure to address the marketing of risky products “These products are expensive, often high in sugar and their marketing undermines all the health messages governments are supposed now to be giving in relation to child health and childhood obesity.”  Rundall called upon guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which recommends all formulae for children up to the age of 36 months are subject to marketing restrictions of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. She said young child formulae should not be able to carry promotional claims or contain sweeteners or flavourings as a basic standard. She said even the term ‘growing up milk’ should be considered an implied health claim.

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CLICK HERE  for report on Commission Wedsite

REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL  on young child formulae  {SWD(2016) 99 final} Brussels, 31.3.2016 COM(2016)  169 final  GUMsSWD 21699 Final

COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Young-child formulae: background information    Brussels, 31.3.2016  SWD(2016) 99 final  GUMS staff -child-formula_en

1. INTRODUCTION

This report meets the obligation set for the Commission by Article 12 of Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food intended for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes, and total diet replacement for weight control (“Regulation on Food for Specific Groups”, or “FSG Regulation”) 1 . Article 12 requires the Commission to present to the European Parliament and to the Council, after consulting the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a report on the necessity, if any, of special provisions for milk-based drinks and similar products intended for young children. This report builds upon two Scientific Opinions of EFSA 2 , a market study carried out for EFSA 3 and extensive consultation with national competent authorities and interested parties. It is accompanied by a Staff Working Document (SWD) with more detailed information on its findings.