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Food: Infant Milk

Volume 497: debated on Wednesday 14 October 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures are in place to ensure the marketing of breast-milk is in accordance with the international code of marketing of breastmilk. (289571)

The marketing of breast-milk substitutes must comply with the European directive on infant formula and follow on formula 2006/141/EC, which reflects the principles of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. This sets out rules about the composition, labelling and advertising of formula.

The Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula (England) Regulations 2007 implement the provisions of this directive and prohibit the advertising of infant formula to the general public. The impact of these measures on the way follow-on formula is advertised and presented is currently being reviewed by an independent panel of experts.