New infant formula export labelling standard applauded
Press Release: 19 December 2014
The Infant Nutrition Council applauds the implementation of a new standard for the labelling of infant formula exports from New Zealand, says Chief Executive Jan Carey.
The Government today announced that infant formula must comply with the same labelling standard regardless of which market it is going to. Until now it has had only to meet the labelling requirements of each importing country.
“INC fully supports this move because it will give exporters greater clarity and ensure that customers know exactly what they are buying,” Mrs Carey says.
“Infant formula is used by our most vulnerable and therefore deserves special attention when it comes to labelling.
This new standard will ensure that exporters know what information has to be on labels, and what information must not be, including health claims.
It will further enhance and protect New Zealand’s reputation as a supplier of high quality, safe, and suitable food.
The implementation of this standard again shows that New Zealand is providing leadership in the export market.
The standard fits with the INC Code of Conduct which all members must comply with to ensure they follow best practice and which stipulates that breast milk is always best.
INC is a strong advocate for, and an active member on, the independent government-monitored compliance panel that ensures the ethical marketing of baby formula in New Zealand is in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines.”
For further information contact Jan Carey 09 354 3272
About the Infant Nutrition Council
The Infant Nutrition Council Ltd (INC) is the association for the infant formula industry in Australia and New Zealand. The nearly 30 council members include some of the most respected food companies in the world, and the organisation represents over 95% of the volume of infant formula manufactured, sold and exported in New Zealand. INC plays a key role in ensuring compliance and safety in the industry. All members abide by a Code of Conduct that provides direction on industry issues including the support of breastfeeding, food regulations and standards, food safety issues, and company representatives’ conduct and activities. INC advocates for optimal nutrition for all infants: breastfeeding first, and, when needed, infant formula as the only suitable alternative. INC members include Abbott Nutrition, Aspen Nutritionals, Bayer, Fonterra, HJ Heinz, Nestle, Nutricia. Associate members include Synlait, New Image Group, Westland, and Dairy Goat Co-operative. More information www.infantnutritioncouncil.com
”INC fully supports this move because it will give exporters greater clarity and ensure that customers know exactly what they are buying
Jan CareyCEO INC
For further information contact Jan Carey 00 61 412 514 735
About the Infant Nutrition Council
The Infant Nutrition Council Ltd (INC) is the association for the infant formula industry in Australia and New Zealand. Its 41 members produce over 95% of the volume of infant formula manufactured, sold and exported in New Zealand. INC plays a key role in ensuring compliance and safety in the industry. All members abide by a Code of Conduct that provides direction on industry issues, including the support of breastfeeding, food regulations and standards, food safety issues, and company representatives’ conduct and activities. INC advocates for optimal nutrition for all infants: breastfeeding first, and, when needed, infant formula as the only suitable alternative. INC members include A2 Milk, Abbott Nutrition, Aspen Nutritionals, Bayer, Danone Nutricia, Fonterra, HJ Heinz, Nestle, Synlait. Associate members include NIG Nutritionals, Westland, Dairy Goat Co-operative, Bodco, Fresco, GMP, New Zealand New Milk, Spring Sheep Milk, Winston, Yashili. Website:www.infantnutritioncouncil.com
