Labour Euro MPs support ad ban on “follow-on formula” milk

Labour Euro MPs today called for a ban on the advertising of so called “follow-on formula” milk for infants from the age of 6 months onwards.

The European Parliament supported proposals to update regulations on food for medicinal use and nutritional substances, but the Labour sponsored amendment to treat the marketing of follow-on formula milk in the same way as infant formula was narrowly defeated in the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg today.

The Tory-led ECR Group opposed the advertising ban.

Labour Euro MP and Consumer Champion, Arlene McCarthy said: 'Follow-on formula milk' should be governed by the same rules as those for infant babies up to six months old”

“Every parent wants their child to have the best possible start in life. That's why there is an EU-wide ban on health claims and advertising of infant formula to protect parents from marketing ploys and industry pressure to use certain types of formula.”

“Unfortunately Follow-on formula is not subject to the same standards. Follow-on milks can be advertised, and I am sure you will have seen the adverts on TV and in magazines.”

"The distinction between infant formula, which should be used from zero to six months, and follow-on formula, for 6 to 12 months, is not clear to consumers.

“The formula companies are basically exploiting this loophole to advertise infant formula.”

"It is concerning that advertising make parents feel that they should be using follow-on formula, when in fact the World Health Organisation and most pediatricians say that these follow-on milks are unnecessary. "