New Infant Formula Labeling & Advertising Requirements in Singapore

The lactose content of infant formula milk powder labeled “lactose free” and “low lactose shall be less than 10 mg per 100 kcal. It’s permitted to claim the presence of hydrolyzed milk protein or whey protein in the infant formula on product labeling and advertisement. This revision applies to all infant formula products designed for infants under 12 months of age.

On August 30th, 2019, Singapore Food Agency released the Food (Amendment No.2) Regulations 2019 to proclaim the new labeling and advertising requirements of infant formula products.

Although the revision came into operation on September 1st, 2019, according to SFA, the food industry will be given a 12-month grace period until 1 September 2020 to comply with the new labeling requirements.

Main Content

Scope

This revision applies to all infant formula products designed for infants under 12 months of age.

Non-compliant claims on labeling or advertisement

stating, suggesting or implying the infant formula has or may have a health effect;
comparing the infant formula to breast milk;
using images of infants, pregnant women or nursing women; using words like “humanized” or “maternalised”; idealizing the use or effect of infant formula;
stating, suggesting or implying the energy, carbohydrate and other nutritional features of any ingredient of the infant formula, other than those listed under Regulation 252 (5) and (6) of the Food Regulations;
stating, suggesting or implying that the infant formula is fortified or is an excellent source of the ingredients listed under Regulation 252 (5) and (6) of the Food Regulations

Newly added labeling requirements

Using words like “Important Notice” to ensure consumers can understand breast milk is best for infants and infant formula shall be used on the advice of a doctor or healthcare practitioner
Warning statements about the health hazards of improper use, preparation or storage of infant formula
If the infant formula claims itself as “lactose free”, “low lactose”, etc., it shall contain:

A total lactose content less than 10 mg per 100 kcal
Claims such as “lactose free”, “low lactose”, or words with similar meanings
A nutrition information panel on the label, indicating the exact amount of lactose in the infant formula
Warning statement: “Not suitable for infants with galactosaemia”

Product labeling and advertisement may claim the presence of hydrolyzed milk protein or whey protein in the infant formula.

In the next step, SFA will develop a guidance document to assist the industry to better understand these new requirements for infant formula.