Choosing products for a child is a task that requires heightened attention. The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection reminded parents that the safety of baby food is ensured not only by the quality of raw materials but also by strict regulation of information on the packaging. Before purchasing, it is important to check the labeling to ensure the product corresponds to the child's age and needs.
Mandatory data on the packaging
According to the department's clarifications, manufacturers are obliged to indicate a number of specific data points on the label that go beyond standard food product information. In particular, next to the product name, the age from which its consumption is permitted must be clearly stated.
The packaging must also contain information about special dietary needs, functional conditions, or diseases for which the use of this product is recommended. This allows parents and doctors to make an informed choice depending on the child's health status.
Instructions and warnings
The manufacturer must provide detailed instructions for preparing and using the food. Additionally, the label must include a warning about possible health risks for the child in case of improper preparation or storage of the product. This is critically important to prevent incidents related to violations of usage technology.
Detailed nutritional value
Parents are advised to pay special attention to information regarding nutritional value. For baby food, it must be more detailed than for ordinary products. The label must indicate the amount of vitamins, minerals, as well as choline, inositol, and carnitine.
Furthermore, manufacturers must indicate what percentage of the child's daily requirement these nutrients cover. This helps control the balance of nutrients in the baby's diet.
Information on breastfeeding
Separately, the packaging must contain information about the benefits of breastfeeding. This requirement is aimed at supporting natural infant nutrition and informing parents about its benefits.
Prohibitions on using certain terms
The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection noted that the labeling and advertising of baby formulas have certain restrictions. In particular, words such as "humanized", "maternal", "adapted", as well as any derivatives or cognate words in any language, cannot be used on the packaging.
These requirements apply to both initial formulas for infants and follow-on formulas. The goal of these restrictions is to avoid misleading consumers regarding the composition and properties of the product.
Legal basis and notifications
The full list of mandatory information for baby food is defined by Article 6-1 of the Law of Ukraine "On Information for Consumers Regarding Food Products". The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection also urged manufacturers and suppliers not to forget about the obligation to notify about the intention to introduce baby food into circulation. The list of such notifications is published on the official website of the department.
Safety context
Previously, RBC-Ukraine reported on an attempt to blackmail the baby food manufacturer HiPP in Austria. A malicious actor added rat poison to jars of baby puree and demanded millions of euros from the company. This incident highlights the importance of safety control at all stages of production and sales.
Attention: This material is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information is intended to familiarize you with possible symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases, but should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. RBC-Ukraine is not responsible for diagnoses made based on the materials on the website. In case of health problems, be sure to consult a qualified doctor.