Formula News and Views

Moving away from a 'one size fits all' model for infant nutrition Apr 2012

Aberdeen University recently published qualitative research in BMJ Open that it carried out into the infant feeding experiences of women and their 'significant others' from pregnancy to 6 months after birth. It reached the conclusion that the adoption of 'idealistic global policy goals' such as breast feeding until 6 months are unhelpful and that more 'achievable' goals should be pursued.

EFSA Panel confirm protein from goat's milk is acceptable for infant formula and follow on formula Mar 2012

The EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies has provided a scientific opinion on the suitability of goats' milk protein in infant formulae and in follow-on formulae. The Panel concluded that as long as the final product complies with the compositional criteria in the Infant and Follow On Formula Directive (2006/141/EC), protein from goats' milk can be a suitable source of protein.

Vitamin D deficiency remains a key nutrition issue Feb 2012

Vitamin D remains high on the nutrition agenda as confirmed by recent communication from the UK's Chief Medical Officer, Dame Sally Davies, raising awareness of the problems of vitamin D deficiency with health professionals and encouraging them to take appropriate action.

Changes ahead for specialist nutrition product labels Dec 2011

The long awaited Food Information to Consumers Regulation was published in November 2011. This new Regulation will result in changes to most food and drink labels, including those of specialist nutrition products. The majority of these label changes will need to be made by December 2014 in accordance with the transition periods for the Regulation.

Revision of the legislation for dietetic foods under consideration by the European Parliament Dec 2011

The European Commission's proposal to revise the current legislation for Foods for Particular Nutritional Uses (PARNUTs), known as the 'PARNUTs Framework Directive', has been under discussion by the European Council of Ministers since October 2011 and the Polish Presidency of the Council has issued a report on the progress to date as part of its handover to the new Danish Presidency which will take over from 1 January 2012.

Proposal to revise the legislation for dietetic foods now under discussion by the European Council of Ministers Nov 2011

The European Commission published a proposal to revise the current legislation for Foods for Particular Nutritional Uses (PARNUTs), known as the 'PARNUTs Framework Directive', in June 2011. The Commission proposal is now under discussion by the European Council of Ministers.

Department of Health launches a UK Consultation on the European Commission proposals to revise the legislation for dietetic foods Aug 2011

The UK Department of Health has launched a consultation on the proposals put forward by the European Commission for the revision of the current legislation for Foods for Particular Nutritional Uses (PARNUTs), known as the 'PARNUTs Framework Directive'.

Inappropriate complementary feeding is associated with high sodium intakes in young children Aug 2011

Researchers at the University of Bristol have reviewed the sodium intakes of 8 month old infants, with results showing that 70% of the group had sodium intakes higher than the recommended level of 400mg a day.

World Breastfeeding Week 2011 Aug 2011

World Breastfeeding Week event takes place this week (1 – 7 August 2011). This annual event is endorsed by WHO and UNICEF and is celebrated in more than 170 countries worldwide.

Commission proposals for the dietetic food sector are a threat to vulnerable consumers Jun 2011

The European Commission published new proposals for the Dietetic foods sector on 20 June 2011. These proposals suggest that slimming foods (meal replacements), sports nutrition products and gluten-free foods become “general” foods.