Medical Institutes Prohibited from Promoting Breast Milk Substitutes

On 29 Oct, a notice was jointly released by CFDA, NHFPC and SAIC outlining plans to crack down on illegal promotion and marketing activities of breast milk substitutes, according to the Administrative Measures on Sale of Breastmilk Substitutes 1995

Breast milk is the best nutritional source for infants and young children, so the label must clearly bear a statement indicating its superiority. Pictures of infants or terms like “humanized” should not be printed on the containers or the labels. 

Manufacturers and distributors of baby formula are forbidden from offering financial incentives or other benefits in kind to hospital staffs in exchange for promotion of their products to pregnant women or their family members.

Local departments will intensify the inspection of the labeling and advertising of breast milk substitutes and the marketing activities of related companies. Those found in violations of regulations will face severer penalties.