The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), headed by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, has issued a compliance order requiring infant food manufacturers to prominently display the message “Mother's Milk Is Best For Your Baby” on packaged products. The directive covers infant food products, including cereals and other supplementary foods, intended for children up to two years of age.

Mundhe said the FDA's survey had identified several compliance issues, with the absence of the breastfeeding warning on packaged infant foods emerging as a major violation. He directed manufacturers to strictly follow the provisions of the Infant Food Regulation Act and related rules governing such products. The order forms part of the regulator's efforts to strengthen compliance related to the manufacture, packaging and promotion of infant foods.

Mundhe clarified that the directive does not amount to a ban on formula milk. Formula products will continue to be permitted as long as manufacturers comply with the prescribed regulatory requirements. According to data cited by the FDA chief, breastfeeding rates in Maharashtra were 52.8 per cent in urban areas and 75.2 per cent in rural areas, with Mundhe expressing concern over the lower figure in urban areas.

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The FDA chief also claimed that the agency's survey found high blood pressure among 25 per cent of children aged 10 to 12 years and linked the finding to whether the children had been breastfed. The claim was presented by Mundhe as a finding from the survey. The directive also states that supplementary foods should be introduced to infants only after six months.

Mundhe further said manufacturers should not use photographs of mothers and infants on infant food packaging. Infant food products also cannot be advertised or promoted under the compliance requirements outlined by the FDA. The regulator has stressed that manufacturers must follow the applicable provisions while marketing and packaging products intended for infants and young children.

The Maharashtra FDA has also been carrying out inspections and enforcement action against establishments dealing in banned or unsafe food products. The department earlier said it inspected 26 establishments in Mumbai, registered 22 FIRs and arrested 30 people in connection with banned products. The FDA has said strict action will continue against establishments selling or storing expired, tampered or unhygienically prepared food, while citizens can report complaints through its toll-free number or grievance portal.

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