In order to protect the right to health and nutrition of children in their early years of life, the deputies of the Commission on Childhood and Social Integration issued a favorable opinion to make changes to the Law on Love Turned into Food for the Promotion, Protection, and Support of Breastfeeding.

The modifications to the legal framework —in effect since 2022— aim to define the products that replace breast milk (infant formula) and, at the same time, strengthen health controls, labeling, and the promotion of these.

Proposed changes

The regulations and prohibitions provided for in the law regarding breast milk substitutes must be applied to bottles, pacifiers, and teats.

One of the changes is to Article 8 of the law, where greater clarity and precision are established for some concepts related to breast milk substitutes, such as infant formulas, special formulas, growth and follow-up formulas, or other products of dairy or plant origin.

Also of foods and beverages (including water) aimed at children from zero to 36 months of age and even for older ages, if recommended.

After the definition of the substitute products contemplated by the law, the MINSAL has requested the proper sanitary registration of these.

Therefore, an amendment would be made to Article 6 for the authorization of labeling and the sanitary registration of breast milk substitutes, in accordance with the established standards.