Infant formula and Follow-on formula
Safe nutrition for healthy development from day one
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies, as it contains the perfect balance of nutrients, hormones and antibodies. Infant formula is intended to replace breast milk when mothers cannot or choose not to breastfeed and is the only suitable alternative in these situations.
While infant formula is manufactured to resemble breast milk as closely as possible, it does not contain all the protective factors found in breast milk.
Around 70% of infants will be fed infant formula at some point in their infancy.
For 60% of European infants - a total of three million children - infant formula feeding starts before six months of age.
Respecting the WHO Code
IDACE members are National Associations. Among their members are companies that make infant formula. These manufacturers respect and put into practice the principles and aims of the 1981 World Health Organisation (WHO) International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes.
The WHO Code recommends steps to protect and promote breastfeeding and to ensure the proper use of breast milk substitutes when these are necessary. Manufacturers respect all national regulations on labelling and marketing and communicate their commitment to breastfeeding as the optimal source of nutrition for infants.
Helping non-breast-fed babies
- Helping lower infant mortality: Infant formula is the only suitable product for non-breast-fed babies during the first six months and its proper use supports life
- Developing specialised formulae for the most vulnerable children: these formulae have helped thousands of sick infants to overcome their illness
A responsible and innovative industry
Our priority: protecting society’s most vulnerable consumers Scientists agree that unmodified cow’s milk is an inappropriate and inadequate food for infants before the age of 12 months. For infants who are not breast-fed, high quality infant formula is the safest and most suitable source of nutrition.
As infant formula is intended to be consumed by a particularly vulnerable group, it is appropriate that these foods are governed by the strictest standards and that the rules are subject to regular review, based on scientific progress. Manufacturers apply these standards rigorously.
Manufacturers also work in close-cooperation with healthcare professionals and scientists to develop innovative products and to ensure that every child gets the best nutrition during the first months of life.
Product types
- Infant formula: The only accepted product for feeding healthy babies up to six months, as defined by Codex Alimentarius
- Follow-on formula: For healthy babies from six months, this forms the major liquid part of a weaning diet (with complementary foods)
- Formula for children with particular nutritional requirements: For babies with metabolic or digestive disorders, or with a low birth weight
Regulating Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula
Specialised nutrition needs specialised regulation
In the EU, infant formulae are addressed by a specific Directive under the umbrella of the PARNUTS Framework Directive. This specific Directive sets out rules on the composition, quality and labelling of infant formulae, based on expert advice of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This Directive is also based on the principles and aims of the World Health Organisation (WHO) International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes.
Formulae for children with particular nutritional requirements are covered by the Directive on dietary foods for special medical purposes.
FACTS & FIGURES
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About 5% of turnover is invested in research:the food industry average is 1% |
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The annual turnover of the European dietetic foods sector (including exports) is around €24bn |
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The dietetic foods sector is a world leader:each year, exports total around €8bn |
IDACE MEMBERS
