Infant formula under HS Codes 19011099, 19019019, 19011020, 19011030

Existing regulation: Food Regulations (226 page(s), in English), available online from www.ava.gov.sg/legislation (select "Sale of Food Act"). The proposed changes to the existing regulation is detailed in para 6 below.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority has completed a review of the Food Regulations and proposes the following amendments to the regulations for infant formula.

(A) Inclusion of mandatory statements

The label for infant formula must include statements to ensure that the consumer understands that

·         breast milk is best for infants; and

·         the infant formula should be used on the advice of a doctor or healthcare practitioner

(B) Prohibition of use of health claims

Labels and advertisements for infant formula must not contain claims which state, suggest or imply that the infant formula or a component, ingredient, constituent or other feature of the infant formula has, or may have, a health effect.

(C) Prohibition on idealisation of infant formula

i.      Labels and advertisements for infant formula must not contain claims which directly or indirectly compare the infant formula or a component, ingredient, constituent or other feature of the infant formula to breast milk.

ii.     Labels and advertisements for infant formula must not contain claims which idealise the use of infant formula. A claim is taken to idealise the use of infant formula if the label or advertisement contains:

·         a pictorial or graphic representation of pregnant women, nursing women, infants, young children or carers;

·         a descriptor like "humanised" or "maternalised", or words of similar import; or

·         a pictorial or graphic representation or text which implies that infant health, happiness, well-being or enhanced abilities; or the health, happiness and wellbeing of carers, is associated with infant formula.

(D) Prohibition and restriction on use of nutrition claims on labels and advertisements for infant formula

a.    Claims in respect of energy and carbohydrate present in infant formula, as well as nutrients listed under Regulation 252(3) must not be made.

b.    Claims with respect to ingredients listed under Regulation 252(5) and 252(6) are permitted, provided the claims do not in any way imply that the infant formula is enriched, fortified, or is an excellent source of these ingredients.

c.    Claims on the presence or absence of the following nutrients are permitted:

i.      Claims on the addition of hydrolysed milk protein isolate; provided that prescribed statements are included on the label of the infant formula Claims on the absence of lactose; provided that specified criteria are complied with.