The new requirement, which is part of the “Regulations Governing the Labelling of Infant and Follow-up Formula”, was announced on February 1, following a 60-day public consultation held last year.
The green and orange coloured logo consists of a woman carrying a baby and comes with the slogans “mother’s breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for infants” and “The Ministry of Health and Welfare cares for you”.
In addition, pictures of infants and terms that suggest that the product is better than mother’s milk are prohibited on the packaging.
Caution statements
In addition, a number of caution statements would also need to be printed on the product packaging.
These statements include “inappropriate mixing (of the product) would cause harm to the infant’s health” (調配不當將對嬰兒健康造成危害), “infants above six months old should consume this product with complementary foods” (六個月以上之嬰兒食用本產品時應配合添加副食品)” or statements with similar meaning.
For liquid formula, the labelling should include “before opening for consumption, shake the bottle to mix the solution evenly (開封前須搖動瓶罐待溶液混合均勻後再食用).”
In addition, all formulas would need to be printed with the statement “users should follow the advice of health care professionals, nutritionists, when deciding if there is a need to consume infant formula and the methods for consumption” (使用者應遵照醫護人員、營養師之建議決定是否需要食用 嬰兒配方食品及食用方法).
Also, manufacturers would need to state the storage method before and after opening the product.
Existing regulations to be repealed
At the same time, the ministry said that the four existing regulations related to the labelling of infant and follow-up formula would be officially repealed from January 1, 2025, as they have been incorporated into the new regulation.
Products manufactured before the Regulations are officially enforced can still be sold in the market until end of shelf life.