Distributers of all infant milk formula and food products in the country will have to put temporary labels on the formula cans before they are put back on the supermarket shelves.
Health Minister Doctor Neil Sharma said a 12 months grace period was given to the various transnational operators to comply with labeling of infant formula food.
The deadline was June 1st and the distributers have failed to comply with the new labeling which has led to the removal of the milk formula products from the shelves.
Health Ministry spokesperson, Peni Namotu said they want all pictures of healthy babies removed from infant formula milk and want new labels on all the formula cans in big and bold letters clearly stating that breast milk is best.
Namotu said this is the reason why infant formula products like S26, SMA and the Nestle formula cannot be found in shops at this stage.
This is under the Marketing Control for Food for Infants and Young Children Regulation 2010 which promoted breast feeding and adequate nutrition for children from birth to five years.
Businesses found not complying with the regulation will have to pay a maximum penalty of $50,000 or imprisonment for 10 years or both.
The Health Minister revealed that due to placement of orders in between manufacturing cycles, Nestle has not fully complied with yesterday’s deadline but time has been given to them to put on the temporary labels on the formula they distribute.
Story by: Vijay Narayan & Sofaia Koroitanoa
