Maharashtra tightens regulations on infant food products across state

The Maharashtra FDA has rolled out comprehensive regulatory measures to strengthen oversight of infant food products available across the state. The new directives mandate that all manufacturers and sellers obtain valid FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) licenses and display Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) marks on their products.

The order also introduces tightened labelling and promotional guidelines for infant food items. Manufacturers must ensure all packaging complies with prescribed labelling standards to provide clear nutritional and safety information to consumers.

A significant component of the regulatory action restricts marketing practices in the sector. The order bars manufacturers from offering discounts, benefits, or other promotional incentives to health workers and medical professionals. Direct advertising of infant food products has also been prohibited under the new guidelines.

The measures come as part of broader efforts to ensure infant nutrition safety and prevent misleading marketing practices that could influence healthcare providers' recommendations. Officials stated the regulations aim to align Maharashtra's standards with national food safety protocols while protecting vulnerable infant populations from substandard or inadequately labelled products.

Manufacturers and distributors have been directed to ensure full compliance with the new requirements within the prescribed timeframe.