The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration led by Tukaram Mundhe has cracked down on baby food brands, tightening rules and ensuring the message on breastfeeding being best for babies be promoted. The order does not amount to a ban on formula milk.
Formula products will be allowed, but manufacturers need to adhere to the guidelines, the FDA said.
He has also banned photos of mother and baby on packages, and claims that the product is as good as breastmilk. The order applies to all baby food products, including cereals and supplementary foods meant for children less than two years old. The packaging must state that the product should only be given as a supplementary food to babies over six months old, and only on the basis of medical advice.
Mundhe, who made headlines with his crackdown on restaurants over food quality and hygiene, has ordered baby food manufacturers to carry the “Mother’s Milk Is Best” message on all their packages.
