FBOs are directed to comply with hypoallergenic milk substitutes standards

From 1st April, the Food Authorities have asked the Food Business Operators to comply with the standards of hypoallergenic milk substitute products under the Food for Infant Nutrition Regulation, 2020.

FSSAI has issued the clarification concerning the standards of “Hypoallergenic infant milk substitutes” that will be effective from April 1, 2022. The clarifications are given to ensure the FBO complies with the regulations framed without fail and does not wait for new amendments to issues.

The clarification was issued concerning regulation 15 (1) (a) which covers hypoallergenic infant milk substitute products containing hydrolyzed whey protein, casein, or products free from amino acids. There are two conditions concerning the hypoallergenic conditions which are absorbed in a single regulation. Hence, FBO needs to ensure they are complying with the standards mentioned concerning hypoallergenic infant milk substitutes.

In June, last year, FSSAI has issued an order to allow the import of products for ‘hypoallergenic conditions’. The FBOs were notified of the standards in December 2020, the compliance of this regulation is extended up to April 1, 2022.

Ashwin Bhadri, CEO, Equinox Labs “‘Hydro allergenic formula” is introduced for the babies who are insensitive to the cow’s milk. The permissions were given to introduce those formulas to help infants. This formula helps few infants to deal with the problem. Hence, the regulatory body has asked the FBOs to comply with the regulation already mentioned. While there is a provision, two different regulations related to a single (infant product) can be collated together.”

Equinox Labs is a leading FSSAI Approved and NABL Accredited Food, Water, and Air Testing Lab with 16+ years of experience. With a PAN-India presence, they are also Industry Leaders in Food Safety Auditing and FoSTaC Training.

He further added, “Hydro allergenic condition is a problem wherein a child gets sensitive to multiple proteins. As the provision is mentioned beforehand, the FBO need not require time to understand the problems or alter the products as per the requirements. Such products do help infants to a great extent and can be worked on without delay.”