Maharashtra FDA Tightens Infant Food Rules; Mandatory 'Mother's Milk Is Best' Notice on Packages

Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration has issued strict new regulations on infant nutrition products, effective immediately. The order mandates the notice "IMPORTANT NOTICE & MOTHER'S MILK IS BEST FOR YOUR BABY" on all package fronts and prohibits discounts, free samples, influencer promotions and other marketing tactics for infant formula.

The directive, issued by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Tuesday, covers infant milk substitutes, formula, follow-up formula, complementary foods and special medical-purpose infant foods. It applies to manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, pharmacies, hospitals and e-commerce platforms. FDA inspections found products circumventing standards by using names like "baby cereal" and "health mix" while missing mandatory breastfeeding notices and preparation warnings.

The move follows breastfeeding data concerns. NFHS-6 shows 53.2% of Maharashtra children under three were breastfed within one hour of birth, including 51% in urban and 54.7% in rural areas. The order consolidates enforcement of the 1992 Infant Milk Substitutes Act with the 2006 Food Safety and Standards Act.