Tukaram Mundhe on a mission again: Mandatory ‘Breast milk is best’ warning on infant formula | Today’s news
Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Authority (FDA), headed by Tukaram Mundh, whose crackdown on poor hygiene and unsafe food has garnered huge attention, has issued a directive mandating that packaged infant formula carry the warning ‘Breast milk is best for your baby’, reports NDTV Profit.
The Food Safety Commissioner said that the FDA had conducted surveys across Maharashtra and found that the packaged foods did not meet the mandatory requirements. One of the main violations was the absence of a warning that breastfeeding is recommended.
Mundhe said manufacturers must comply with the provisions of the Infant Food Regulation Act and related rules, reports NDTV Profit.
What does the new directive say about infant nutrition?
According to the publication, the warning must be displayed on baby food products, including baby food and cereals intended for children under two years of age.
The report added that the regulation does not impose a ban on artificial milk. Formula products will continue to be available for sale provided that the manufacturers comply with the regulatory requirements set by the authorities.
What did Mundhe say about breastfeeding rates?
Mundhe cited data showing that the breastfeeding rate in Maharashtra is higher in rural areas at 75.2% compared to 52.8% in urban parts of the state.
According to the report, he expressed concern about the data for urban areas, saying it indicated that a significant proportion of mothers in the western state’s cities were not breastfeeding their children.
Mundhe said that complementary foods should not be introduced to children until they reach six months. He also said that baby formula packages should not have pictures of mothers or babies.
The compliance rules further prohibit companies from advertising or promoting infant formula products.
What is Tukaram Mundhe’s intervention against food security?
The 51-year-old bureaucrat’s team has raided more than 3,000 food establishments in Mumbai since he took over as Maharashtra’s food safety chief in May, according to a Reuters report.
It led to the suspension of several US food chains, including Domino’s, Pizza Hut and McDonald’s, and also targeted cricket clubs, hotels and well-known restaurants.
On Monday, Mundhe led the team that suspended the food license of iconic 122-year-old Iranian cafe Kyani & Co in Mumbai after an inspection allegedly revealed numerous hygiene and food safety violations.
Officials found cats, rat droppings, live flies and dead cockroaches in areas used for food preparation and storage, according to PTI.
FDA Commissioner Mundhe said the authorities will maintain strict enforcement and take legal action against businesses involved in the sale or storage of expired or tampered with food, as well as food prepared or handled in unsanitary conditions.
