In Europe, young children may receive too much or too little of some nutrients. Compared to adults, infants require higher amounts of some nutrients per kg of body weight (e.g., iron, vitamin D, omega-3 essential fatty acids, iodine) and other nutritious foods. Consume throughout the day. In reality, these nutritional needs are unlikely to be met by regular diet alone. As recognized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), infant milk consumption can be used as part of a strategy to increase the intake of nutrients that are often lacking in young children’s diets. Unfortunately, this product configuration is not yet regulated at EU level.
What is infant formula?
Infant formula, also known as “growth milk,” is specially formulated to support the nutritional needs of young children (1-3 years old). This is different for both infant formula (for infants 0 to 6 months) and follow-on formula (for infants 6 to 12 months).
For children ages 1 to 3, infant formula is one of the most practical and available food sources to increase intake of essential nutrients such as omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, infant milk can play an important role in supporting the healthy growth and development of young children as part of the liquid part of a diverse diet.
As an example, the French Nutribebe study of more than 1,000 infants and toddlers found over-intake of protein and under-intake of essential fatty acids, iron and vitamin D after one year. French infants who consume infant formula have a better intake of these essential nutrients than non-consumers.
Similarly, in the UK, a study examining changes in young children’s diets to ensure nutritional adequacy found that ‘increasing intake of infant formula (YCF) and supplements was the most effective It is the shortest way to cover nutritional requirements.” Now, infant formula can serve as one strategy to increase the intake of nutrients that are often lacking in young children’s diets.
In fact, this method has been approved by medical societies and other authoritative bodies in several member countries (e.g. Belgium, France, Ireland, Poland) and by pediatric societies such as the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), recognized by the German Pediatric Society, etc.). Association – DGKJ).
EU level infant formula
EU law currently treats infant milk as a “common food”. Their ingredients are not specifically regulated and inappropriate adult reference intakes apply to these products. As a result, products with inappropriate formulations aimed at young children, such as drinks with high sugar content or drinks with insufficient nutritional content, may be released on the market.
Infant and young child nutrition products are one of the EU’s most valuable agricultural exports
However, it is important to remember that young children are not “mini-adults” but a vulnerable group with specific nutritional needs. During this critical period of development, the intake of adequate amounts of important nutrients, contained in products whose composition is in line with the latest scientific requirements, is essential for the development of the immune system, metabolism, brain development and later in life. Provides short-term and long-term health benefits. Specialized Nutrition Europe (SNE) would therefore like to underline the importance of introducing specific regulations regarding ingredient requirements and appropriate intake standards for infant milk during the upcoming EU legislative period.
Aiming for a level playing field in the domestic market and globally
The lack of specific regulations also poses challenges in domestic and global markets. The lack of coherence in the legal constitutive requirements for infant milk has led to fragmentation of the EU internal market, creating legal uncertainty and creating an unfavorable environment for food businesses. Today, recipes and labels often have to be adapted to the different interpretations and requirements of Member States. Infant and young child nutrition products are among the EU’s most valuable agricultural exports. The product category “Infant food and other cereals, starches or dairy products” accounts for around €8 billion a year in the EU’s global exports and has been one of the top three exports of agricultural products over the past five years. It has become. The quality and safety of European infant and young child nutrition products is guaranteed by the strict EU regulatory framework, which accounts for the popularity of these products in countries outside the EU. However, the lack of a clear and specific EU regulatory framework for infant milk may put the trust and popularity of European infant milk products in third countries at risk.
Lack of EU regulation is inconsistent with international frameworks
The Codex Alimentarius Commission, the food standards body of the United Nations and in particular of which all EU countries are members, recognizes the unique nutritional needs of young children and sets rules regarding the composition of infant formula, particularly the restriction of carbohydrates. . And sugar. The EU’s general food law regulations include a legal obligation for the EU to formally take into account Codex Food Standards. The role of proper nutrition for optimal development during the first three years of life cannot be underestimated. Appropriate EU regulation allows for an appropriate level of protection for young children as well as legal certainty for food operators in the EU.
