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Compositional Directive

Infant Formulae and Follow-on Formulae Directive.

The composition, labelling, advertising and marketing of infant formulae and follow-on formulae are strictly controlled in the European Union.

Infant formulae and follow-on formulae must comply with all relevant food legislation as well as the specific requirements of the EC Directive on infant formulae and follow-on formulae: Directive 91/321/EEC (the 1991 Directive) - available through the following link: 91/321/EEC

The 1991 Directive was based on expert advice from the EC Scientific Committee for Food, and also implemented the 1981 World Health Organisation’s International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (as appropriate to the EC).

The 1991 Directive has been amended a number of times to take into account scientific developments in infant nutrition, and also to provide an increased level of safety with regard to the use, presence or absence of pesticide residues.

Member States, including the UK and the Republic of Ireland, have implemented the 1991 Directive and its various amendments into their national laws.

A revised directive on infant formulae and follow-on formulae was published at the end of December 2006; this is Directive 2006/141/EC (the 2006 Directive).  The 2006 Directive reflects more recent scientific understanding of the nutritional needs of bottle-fed infants and supercedes the 1991 Directive.  Member States must implement the 2006 Directive into their national laws by the end of 2007.  The new directive can be found through the following link: 2006/141/EC

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  Breast feeding is best for babies.  Infant milks are intended to replace breast milk when mothers do not breast feed.  Good maternal nutrition is important for the preparation and maintenance of breast feeding. Introducing partial bottle feeding may have a negative effect on breast feeding and reversing a decision not to breast feed is difficult.  You should always seek the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist on the need for and proper method of use of infant milks and on all matters of infant feeding.  Infant milk should always be prepared and used as directed.  Unnecessary or improper use of infant milk may present a health hazard.  Social and financial implications should be considered when selecting a method of infant feeding.
This information is intended for use only by residents of the UK and ROI
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