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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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 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.
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.
The Infant Feeding Survey undertaken in 2010 has shown that initial breastfeeding rates have increased from 76% in 2005 to 81% in 2010 in the UK. Breastfeeding is best for babies and the BSNA welcomes the increase in the rates of initial breastfeeding shown in the 2010 Survey.
The UKs Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition published their review of Iron and Health in Spring 2011. The report represents a scientific review of all aspects of iron in health, including infants and young children.
A new series of fact sheets reviewing each of the specialist nutrition categories from a European view has been published by IDACE. IDACE is the European Trade Association for specialist nutrition products and is based in Brussels. The fact sheets cover infant and follow-on formula, complementary foods, medical foods, gluten free foods, sport foods and slimming foods. These categories are governed by the PARNUTs Framework Directive (Foods for PARticular NUTritional purposes). The PARNUTs Framework Directive is currently undergoing review and redrafting in Brussels and these fact sheets provide information on each category and show the importance of clear regulation for these important products.
On Wednesday 6 April 2011, the European Parliament voted to accept a nutrition and health claim for DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, an omega 3 fatty acid) and visual development to be made on follow on formula for infants older than 6 months of age.
BSNA welcomes the outcome of the vote. By voting to accept the DHA claim, the Members of the European Parliament have demonstrated their support for the expert scientific review and assessment that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission undertake.
In accordance with the Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation (1924/2006/EC), all nutrition and health claims undergo expert scientific review and assessment by EFSA and the Commission to ensure that all claims, including those referring to children's development, are safe, scientifically justified on the totality of the scientific evidence, and do not mislead consumers.
The European Parliament's approval of the nutrition and health claim for DHA in infant follow on formula means that those products that contain the required level of DHA are legally able to make nutrition and health claims on DHA and visual development. Consumers should have a right to scientifically validated information in order to make informed choices.
The Department of Health and the Food Standards Agency have issued their updated 'Guide to bottle feeding' for parents and carers on the safe preparation and storage of powdered infant formula milk.
The UKs Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition have announced a review of complementary and young child feeding. BSNA welcome the review which is long overdue and hope that the summary will provide health professionals, baby food companies and others with valuable up to date information on this important area.
A call to revisit the vision and spirit of the WHO International Code of
Marketing Breast-Milk Substitutes has been published in the international and peer-reviewed journal, 'Archives of Disease in Childhood'.
The article by JS Forsyth outlines the publication of the WHO Code almost three decades ago, explaining the intention to provide a fair and open way for all interested parties to manage and monitor the marketing of breast milk substitutes.
EFSA were requested by the Commission to assess the safety of BPA in packaging materials.
In their recent review of scientific evidence published in September 2010 EFSA stated that “based on the comprehensive evaluation of recent human and animal toxicity data, the Panel concluded that no new study could be identified, which would call for a revision of the current Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of 0.05 mg/kg b.w./day." This reinforces the previous views that the current exposure to BPA is not considered harmful.
A review of recent research on nutrition in 'small for gestational age' babies.
EFSA conclude there is no common lactose tolerability limit
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient at all ages, particularly for pregnant and breast feeding mothers. Recent evidence confirms concerns about adequate levels of vitamin D in UK in these groups of the population.
A recent report in the British Journal of Nutrition from a team at the UK's Institute of Child Health has suggested that there is a 'strong case' for supplementation of the diet during pregnancy with vitamin D.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published its Annual Report on Pesticide Residues, which provides an overview of pesticide residues in food in the European Union during 2008.
The Breastfeeding Network has written to the Department of Health asking for a change in the “breast is best” message following research that suggests this indicates breastfeeding as the preferred – rather than the normal – way to feed babies.
A Department of Health spokesman said in a statement that "breast is best" was not its slogan, adding: "Breastfeeding is good for babies, good for mothers and incredibly convenient.
"It's crucial that mothers get the support they need to make breastfeeding a success for them and their baby."
The Department of Health recommendation that mothers should feed babies breast milk alone for at least six months is based on World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance.
In responding to the Breastfeeding Network's press release on this subject the BSNA Statement read:
“Every parent wants to see their child get the best start in life, including good nutrition to set the pattern for healthy growth and development. Clear information and practical support for mothers and fathers before and after their baby's birth, and into their early years, is very important. This is true for mothers who breast feed, as well as parents who cannot or choose not to, and for whom infant formula is the only suitable alternative.
"BSNA is keen to work with all interested parties to make sure that parents and caregivers receive clear, consistent and accurate information about infant feeding - supporting and giving them confidence in caring for their baby."
The Department of Health (DH) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have issued important guidance on the preparation and storage of infant formula milk following a review by the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) Scientific Panel on Biological Hazards.