Maharashtra FDA Tightens Infant Food Rules, Bans Formula Promotions and Influencer Advertising
The order also bars free samples, influencer posts and social-media ads, while requiring stricter labels and 30-day self-audits.
- Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe issued a statewide compliance order mandating stricter labelling and marketing rules for infant foods, milk substitutes, and feeding bottles, effective immediately across the supply chain.
- Data from the National Family Health Survey -6 shows only 55.8% of mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour, falling to 52.8% in urban areas; rising health risks among adolescents aged 10-19 prompted stricter enforcement.
- Mandatory labels must now display "IMPORTANT NOTICE – MOTHER'S MILK IS BEST FOR YOUR BABY" on packaging fronts and exclude prohibited terms like "baby cereal" and "complete food"; complementary foods must state introduction only after six months.
- Manufacturers have 30 days to conduct self-audits, while Designated Officers have 45 days to begin risk-based inspections; violations carry fines up to INR 10 lakh and potential license suspension or cancellation.
- Enforcement now falls under every Food Safety Officer in Maharashtra, with Mundhe stating, "A child under two cannot protect itself," as authorities aim to ensure safe nutrition during early childhood development.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Maharashtra FDA bans infant formula ads, mandates ‘mother’s milk is best’ warning
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the order applies to infant milk foods, follow-up formula, complementary and traditional baby foods, foods for special medical purposes, and feeding bottles - from manufacturers to e-commerce platforms.
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Maharashtra FDA Mandates Breastfeeding Notices on Infant Food Packages and Prohibits Commercial Sale of Human Milk | 📰 LatestLY
The Maharashtra FDA, led by Tukaram Mundhe, has made breastfeeding notices mandatory on all infant food packages and banned the commercial sale of human milk. The directive prohibits baby food advertisements, influencer promotions, and sponsorships for doctors, while enforcing fines up to INR 10 lakh and life imprisonment for fatal food safety violations. 📰 Maharashtra FDA Mandates Breastfeeding Notices on Infant Food Packages and Prohibits Com…
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