Stories
Maharashtra FDA Cracks Down on Infant Food: No Free Samples, Influencer Ads, or Misleading Claims
- •The Maharashtra FDA has issued a comprehensive order tightening norms for infant food, including formula milk, prohibiting free samples, gifts, cashback, and influencer promotions.
- •Violations, such as misleading advertisements and substandard food, can incur fines up to ’10 lakh, with specific penalties for misbranding and operating without a license.
- •All infant food packages must prominently display "IMPORTANT NOTICE & MOTHER'S MILK IS BEST FOR YOUR BABY" and prohibit images of infants or women, as well as terms like "humanised" or "complete food."
- •The order applies immediately to all entities involved in infant food, from manufacturers to e-commerce platforms, emphasizing that complementary foods should only be introduced after six months.
- •Sponsorships, hospitality, and grants to doctors, hospitals, or medical associations for promotional activities related to infant formula are strictly prohibited, along with certain preservatives and false "no added sugar" claims.
Key Questions Answered
The Maharashtra FDA issued a compliance order prohibiting free samples, gifts, cashback, influencer and social media promotions, and advertising for infant formula and baby foods. Packages must prominently display "Mother's Milk is Best for Your Baby," and violations can lead to fines up to ₹10 lakh.
Operating without a licence or engaging in misleading advertising can attract fines of up to ₹10 lakh. Additionally, the FDA stipulates a penalty of up to ₹5 lakh for substandard food and up to ₹3 lakh for misbranding.
The order applies immediately to manufacturers, brand owners, importers, repackers, distributors, retailers, pharmacies, hospital suppliers, and e-commerce platforms handling infant nutrition and feeding bottles. Advertising is banned across all mediums, including e-commerce marketplaces and messaging apps.
