CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a statewide compliance order tightening regulations governing infant formula, infant foods and feeding bottles. The order places stricter controls on their manufacture, labelling, sale and promotion, with particular focus on misleading advertising and digital promotions.
Under the new rules, advertisements for infant milk substitutes, infant foods and feeding bottles are prohibited across media platforms. The restrictions also cover free samples, gifts, coupons, cashback offers, discount campaigns, influencer promotions and cross-promotions on e-commerce platforms, social media and messaging applications.
The FDA has also directed that every infant-food package prominently carry the message, “Mother's Milk is Best for Your Baby.” Labels must state that products should be used on the advice of a health worker, while complementary foods must carry instructions that they should be introduced only after six months.
The order prohibits the use of infant or women's images and certain promotional descriptions such as “humanised”, “maternalised”, “complete food” and “health food”. It also restricts preservatives, added colours and flavours in infant food products, while sucrose or fructose can be used only when necessary and within prescribed limits.
Manufacturers, importers and brand owners have been given 30 days to conduct a self-audit covering licences, product approvals, formulations, labelling and promotional practices and submit compliance declarations. Designated officials have also been directed to map manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, hospital suppliers and online sellers and begin inspections.
Violations can attract action under food-safety laws, including fines of up to ₹10 lakh for misleading advertisements or operating without the required licence. The FDA has also directed healthcare institutions and paediatricians to report suspected adverse events associated with infant-food products.
The Maharashtra FDA said the measures are intended to strengthen compliance with existing infant nutrition laws and prevent promotional practices that could mislead parents. The order applies to manufacturers, brand owners, importers, distributors, retailers, pharmacies, hospital suppliers and e-commerce platforms dealing with covered products.
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