European Commission Declines to Regulate Young-Child Formulae

Strategic Insights -

The European Commission has decided against proposing specific rules on young-child formulae, citing the correct and complete application of existing EU food law measures as sufficient to regulate the composition and communication of these products. The Commission's decision is in line with the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) opinion, which states that young-child formulae have no unique role in satisfying the nutritional requirements of young children compared to other foods.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Commission will not propose specific rules on young-child formulae due to the correct and complete application of existing EU food law measures.
  • The Commission's decision is based on the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) opinion, which concludes that young-child formulae have no unique role in satisfying the nutritional requirements of young children.
  • The EFSA's opinion states that these products have "no unique role" and "cannot be considered as a necessity to satisfy the nutritional requirements of young children" when compared to other foods that may be included in their normal diet.
  • The Commission acknowledges the revised Codex Alimentarius standard, which clarifies that the application of the standard should be consistent with national/regional health and nutrition policies and relevant national/regional legislation.
  • The European Parliament and the Council will be informed of the Commission's decision in a report.
  • Young-child formulae are regulated by Regulation (EU) 609/2013, which requires the Commission to consult with EFSA on the necessity of special provisions for these products.

Statistics:

  • There is no reported safety issue with regard to young-child formulae.
  • The European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) opinion concludes that young-child formulae have no unique role in satisfying the nutritional requirements of young children.
  • The EFSA opinion states that these products cannot be considered as a necessity to satisfy the nutritional requirements of young children when compared to other foods that may be included in their normal diet.

Sources:

  • Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on food intended for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes, and total diet replacement for weight control and repealing Council Directive 92/52/EEC, Commission Directives 96/8/EC, 1999/21/EC, 2006/125/EC and 2006/141/EC, Directive 2009/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Regulations (EC) No 41/2009 and (EC) No 953/2009, OJ L 181, 29.6.2013, p. 35.
  • Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on young child formulae, COM(2016) 169 final.
  • Scientific Opinion on nutrient requirements and dietary intakes of infants and young children in the European Union, https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3408.
  • Codex Standard for Follow-Up Formula for Older Infants and Product for Young Children: CXS 156-1987, https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/sh-proxy/es/?lnk=1&url=https%253A%252F%252Fworkspace.fao.org%252Fsites%252Fcodex%252FStandards%252FCXS%2B156-1987%252FCXS_156e.pdf.