SNE Press relaese - SNE welcomes EFSA's draft revision of compositional criteria for infant and follow-on formulae
Specialised Nutrition Europe (SNE), representing manufacturers of infant milks and foods in Europe, welcomes the thorough analysis undertaken by the European Food Safety Authority and its experts on the compositional requirements for infant formulae and follow-on formulae for older infants and young children.
SNE appreciates the need for the proposed adjustments to the current compositional criteria, which were last updated in 2003. Composition must take into account current science, and it is essential that the research carried out in this field for the last 50 years is acknowledged.
President of SNE Roger Clarke comments: We are pleased that the European Food Safety Authority has recognised the value of products currently on the market and their contribution to supporting the nutritional needs of infants and young children. We remain committed to supporting exclusive and continued breastfeeding, and to providing safe and healthy alternatives for mothers who are unable or choose not to breastfeed.
With extensive scientific and regulatory expertise in the field, SNE members look forward to responding to the public consultation and to contribute additional relevant data that will contribute to the most thorough consideration of the available scientific evidence.
Notes to editors:
· Specialised Nutrition Europe (SNE) is the trade association representing the interests of the specialised nutrition industry across the European Union. SNE members are the national associations of 16 Member States and their members are the companies producing foods for particular nutritional needs, known at EU level as 'foods for specific groups'.
· SNE members provide tailor made dietary solutions for populations with very specific nutritional needs including infants and young children, individuals under medical supervision, sportsmen, overweight and obese consumers, and those suffering from coeliac disease.
· A range of infant milks are available to help families meet the nutritional requirements of infants in good health:
o Infant formula is the only safe alternative to breast milk for babies under 6 months of age.
o Follow-on formula has been developed to meet the nutritional needs of older infants (over 6 months) and contains added vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D and iron. Follow-on formula should only be used as a complement of the breastfeeding, as part of a mixed weaning diet and not as a breast milk substitute before six months.
o Young-child formula (also known as ‘milk-based drinks for young children’ ‘toddler milks’ or ‘growing up milks’) are designed to meet the needs of young children aged 1-3 years as part of a mixed diet based on family foods. Like follow-on formula, they should not be used as a breast milk substitute before six months.