Nestlé calls for less protein in baby formula

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application from Nestlé Australia Limited and Nestlé New Zealand Limited to reduce the minimum protein requirement for milk-based follow-on formula in the Food Standards Code. Specifically, the company wants to reduce the minimum protein requirement from 0.45 to 0.38 g/100 kJ.

Follow-on formula is suitable for infants aged 6 to less than 12 months and is intended to be consumed with complementary food, not as a sole source of nutrition. Nestlé stated the proposed reduction would align follow-on formula more closely with total protein levels in breast milk, and promotes normal development in infants.

FSANZ also said it would promote consistency between the Code and the European Regulations, benefit trade and support competitiveness.

“FSANZ reviewed the best available scientific evidence to determine whether the reduced protein level protects the health and safety of formula-fed infants. We concluded that the requested minimum protein requirement (0.38 g/100 kJ) for milk-based follow-on formula is appropriate and safe,” said FSANZ CEO Mark Booth.

“The minimum protein requirement for soy-based follow-on formula would not change.”

Comments will close 6 pm (Canberra time) on 13 June 2019.

This information is reproduced with permission of Food Standards Australia New Zealand.

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