Infant Milk Formula: Harmonization of Standards

Abstract

Harmonization of standards is the key task for regulators across the world, mainly, for processed foods. For this, harmonized codes (Food Code System) are assigned for different processed foods. Indian regulator, FSSAI has ensured that the harmonization of standards are in sync with the trends of global food trade. Capability building projects initiated for this purpose includes coding processed foods in different categories: 1 to 17 are for products, well defined on the basis of: a) origin, b) raw food type, c) Production process and d) processed food type. Those which were not possible to be clearly categorized as per the criteria given above, they were put in category 18, also classified as category 99. In the present study attempt has been made to compare the standards of different countries for Infant milk powder. For this, regulations of FSSAI, EU and USFDA were studied. The results of the study showed that there are a lot of gap areas that must be eliminated so that the interest of consumers across the world are protected. Recent publications show that manufacturers of infant milk formula have been adopting practices that are not as per guidelines of WHO. All stakeholders of infant milk formula will be benefitted by the findings of this study. It has high significance for India, where imported infant milk formula products are common in the market.