*UPDATED* Consultation on the revison of the Directive on Infant Formula

According to IBFAN, the main shortcomings of the Directive are related to the marketing of infant formulae and follow-on formulae. Under the new Directive, the European Commission has the power to adopt legislation on specialized foods (including baby foods) without having to consult the EU Parliament. The framework might be harmful as health can be undermined by marketing practices without the direct consultations with the EU Parliament.

Background: consultation of stakeholders

The Health and Consumer Directorate General of the European Commission (DG Sanco) has sent a letter to several organisations asking for comments to a working document (see attachment) that will be the bases for the revision to the Directive on Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula.

In May 2004 the Directorate began the consultation of Member States through meetings of experts. Now the Commission is consulting representative European organisations having an interest in the area of the legislative initiatives.

The working document reflects the outcome of preliminary discussions with Member States, the scientific advice provided to the Commission and activity at the international level within Codex Alimentarius. The introductory paper included with the working document provides additional information on the proposed changes.