Parents ‘lack information’ on formula

Infant formula manufacturers are hoping a review by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) will allow them to include more information about their product on the tins.

FSANZ has been reviewing the infant formula standards in the Food Standards Code for five years but is nearing the end of the process.

The authority has released two consultation papers so far, including one last year that suggested warning labels could be applied to formula packaging to replace or supplement the ‘‘breast is best’’ messages.

At the moment, the code requires that manufacturers not include a picture of a baby on the packaging, any picture that idealises formula, or any messages that claim formula is suitable for all infants.

Australia and New Zealand are signatories to the World Health Organisation’s international code of marketing of breast milk substitutes in New Zealand, which states that there should be no advertising or other form of promotion of formula to babies under six months.

But Jan Carey, chief executive of the Infant Nutrition Council, which represents major manufacturers and marketers of infant formula on both sides of

‘‘It’s a highly regulated food product that is the sole source of nutrition for our most vulnerable population.’’

the Tasman, said surveys had shown the rules were too restrictive and parents felt they were getting insufficient information.

Forty per cent said they were not aware of the ingredients in formula. Just 3 per cent thought the labels gave them enough information.

‘‘There is a lot of difference between the products,’’ she said.

‘‘It’s a highly regulated food product that is the sole source of nutrition for our most vulnerable population.’’

Manufacturers researched different aspects of what was found in breast milk, she said, and what could improve their infant formula products.

Carey said that innovation should not be discouraged but at the moment, the rules made it hard to get that information out to potential purchasers.

‘‘We want to be able to communicate these ingredients on the front of the can to let people know these have different things that might be suitable.’’

The review was an opportunity for ‘‘more balanced information’’ to go on the front of formula packs.

Lorraine Haase, a spokeswoman for FSANZ, said the organisation wanted to take the time to review the issues properly.

‘‘We anticipate the next consultation paper will be released late this year and that the project will take another 12 to 18 months to complete. There will be more consultation as the project progresses.’’

Jan Carey, chief executive of the Infant Nutrition Council