Maharashtra FDA Mandates Breastfeeding Notices on Infant Food Packages and Prohibits Commercial Sale of Human Milk

The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) on Tuesday, September 29, said that 'breastfeeding notices' was now mandatory on infant food packages. The Tukaram Munde led food safety agency said that the commercial sale of human milk will be completely prohibited. According to an official statement, the FDA has issued a comprehensive compliance order regulating the manufacture, sale, labelling and promotion of foods meant for infant nutrition, introducing stricter controls on infant formula marketing and prohibiting the commercial sale of human milk.

The order comes into immediate effect across Maharashtra, bringing the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, and the Infant Milk Substitutes Act, 1992, under a single enforcement mechanism, Mid Day reported. The directive applies to manufacturers, importers, brand owners, distributors, retailers, pharmacies, hospitals, suppliers and e-commerce platforms dealing in infant formula, infant milk food, follow-up formula, complementary foods, traditional infant foods, foods for special medical purposes intended for infants and feeding bottles. Why Was Mumbai’s Kyani & Co Irani Cafe Shut Down by Maharashtra FDA?

Breastfeeding Notice Mandatory on All Infant Food Packages

Under the new order issued by the Maharashtra FDA, every infant food package must prominently display the notice, “Mother’s Milk Is Best For Your Baby". FDA Commissioner Mundhe during a press conference in Mumbai also stressed that labels must also state that the product should be used only on the advice of a health worker and is not the sole source of nutrition.

He added that preparation instructions, warnings about the use of boiled water and feeding charts must be included. Complementary foods can only be introduced after six months of age. All infant food products must be manufactured under a valid FSSAI licence specifying the correct product category and carry the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standard mark, as required under the law. Maharashtra FDA Tukaram Mundhe Says ‘WhatsApp University’ and Reel Culture Influencing Decisions..

FDA Restricts Use of Infants' or Women’s Pictures on Packaging

The use of pictures of infants or women on packaging has been prohibited, along with terms such as 'humanised', 'maternalised', 'complete food' and 'health food'. The restrictions are intended to eliminate marketing imagery and branding terminology that might suggest formula is equivalent or superior to natural breast milk.

The FDA has directed manufacturers to ensure that products comply with the compositional standards prescribed under the Foods for Infant Nutrition Regulations, 2020, throughout their shelf life. Preservatives, added colours and flavours are prohibited. Lactose and glucose polymers are to be the preferred carbohydrates, while sucrose or fructose may be added only when necessary and within the limit of 20 per cent of total carbohydrates. False or unauthorised 'no added sugar' claims are also prohibited.

Complete Ban on Advertisements, Influencer Promotions, and Free Samples

The order prohibits advertisements, free samples, gifts, coupons, cashback offers, discount campaigns, influencer promotions and cross-promotions of infant milk substitutes, infant foods and feeding bottles across all platforms.

The FDA has also prohibited companies from providing sponsorships, funding, hospitality, travel expenses, registration fees, speaker fees, grants or other benefits to healthcare workers, hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies and medical associations in connection with medical conferences, scientific meetings, seminars, workshops, continuing medical education programmes, fellowships or research activities. The prohibition also covers benefits provided indirectly through event organisers, societies, trusts or foundations.

Adverse Event Monitoring and 30-Day Self-Audit Deadlines

Manufacturers, importers and brand owners must maintain batch-wise traceability, complaint management systems, adverse event monitoring and recall capabilities. Serious adverse events must be reported to the designated officer within 48 hours. Hospitals, neonatal units, paediatricians and other medical practitioners have also been asked to report suspected adverse events linked to infant foods, including foodborne illnesses, sepsis, meningitis in formula-fed newborns, allergic reactions, foreign matter and illnesses arising from improper preparation. The FDA will trace affected batches, collect samples and coordinate with the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme wherever necessary.

Manufacturers, importers and brand owners must complete a self-audit covering licences, product approvals, BIS certification, formulations, labelling and promotional practices, and submit a compliance declaration within 30 days to avoid any action by the concerned authorities. Mundhe also stressed that the first consolidated enforcement report must be submitted to the FDA within 60 days.

Penalties Up to INR 10 Lakh for Misleading Advertisements or Influencer Posts

Non-compliance will invite action under the Food Safety and Standards Act and the Infant Milk Substitutes Act. Penalties include fines of up to INR 10 lakh for misleading advertisements or unlicensed businesses, INR 5 lakh for substandard food and INR 3 lakh for misbranded food, as per the official statement from the Maharashtra FDA.

Prosecution for unsafe food may result in imprisonment, extending up to life imprisonment in cases where consumption of unsafe food causes death. Authorities may also seize and confiscate products, initiate prosecution under the Infant Milk Substitutes Act and suspend or cancel licences.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 29, 2026 10:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).