Question : INFANT FOOD AND FEEDING BOTTLES

(a) whether the norms for the production of infant food and feeding bottles are being followed by all the manufactures in the country ;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the number of cases of irregularities reported in the production of infant milk and food including the number of infants died as a result of inferior quality and bottled milk during the last three years and the current year, year & State/UT-wise;

(c) whether all the manufactures are following the Infant Milk Substitutes, feeding Bottles and Infant foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1992;

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the number of complaints received so far by the Government regarding adulteration in infant food , State/UT-wise; and

(e) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to keep a check on the quality of infant food and milk?

MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)

(a) & (b):. Regulation 2.1.9 of Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011 prescribes the standards for Food for Infant Nutrition including infant milk substitute. The manufacturers are required to comply with the above mentioned Regulations. Feeding bottles are covered under IS 14625 Plastic Feeding Bottles of Bureau of Indian Standards Act 1986 (63 of 1986) Sec 14.

(c) to (d): Infant Milk Substitutes, feeding Bottles and Infant foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1992, Amendment Act, 2003 is under the purview of this Ministry. So far, 2 nos of complaints have been received for violating the above Act and necessary action have been initiated.

(e): Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 is being enforced throughout the country w.e.f 05.08.2011. The Act has been drafted to enforce the safety laws in Food in the Country. FSS Act/ Rule/Regulation are being implemented by State Government/ Union Territories. Food samples are drawn regularly by State/U.T Governments and action is required to be taken against the offenders, in cases where samples are found to be non conforming to the provisions of this regulations.