The Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula (England) Regulations 2007

Labelling of infant formula

17.—(1) Infant formula may not be sold unless the labelling bears the following particulars—

(a) a statement to the effect that the product is suitable for particular nutritional use by infants from birth when they are not breast fed;

(b) the available energy value, expressed in kJ and kcal, and the content of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, expressed in numerical form, per 100ml of the product ready for use;

(c) the average quantity of each mineral substance and of each vitamin mentioned in Annex I and, where applicable, of choline, inositol and carnitine, expressed in numerical form, per 100ml of the product ready for use;

(d) instructions for appropriate preparation, storage and disposal of the product and a warning against the health hazards of inappropriate preparation and storage; and

(e) the words “Important Notice” or their equivalent immediately followed by—

(i) a statement concerning the superiority of breast feeding, and

(ii) a statement recommending that the product be used only on the advice of independent persons having qualifications in medicine, nutrition or pharmacy, or other professionals responsible for maternal and child care.

(2) The labelling of infant formula shall—

(a) be designed to provide the necessary information about the appropriate use of the product so as not to discourage breast feeding; and

(b) not contain the terms “humanised”, “maternalised”, “adapted” or any similar term.

(3) The labelling of an infant formula shall not include—

(a) any picture of an infant; or

(b) any other picture or text which may idealise the use of the product,

but may include graphic representations for easy identification of the product or for illustrating methods of preparation.

(4) The labelling of an infant formula may bear nutrition and health claims only when—

(a) the claim is listed in the first column of Annex IV and is expressed in the terms set out there; and

(b) the condition specified in the second column of Annex IV in relation to the relevant claim made in the first column is satisfied.

(5) The labelling of an infant formula may bear particulars of the average quantity of nutrients mentioned in Annex III when such information is not required by paragraph (1)(c), expressed in numerical form, per 100 ml of the product ready for use.