Maharashtra tightens infant food rules, bans commercial promotions to protect breastfeeding
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Health policy & public health· Prelims + Mains·
Regulatory framework and public health: a GS2 case study on protecting maternal and child nutrition.
Why in news
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration issued a compliance order tightening regulations on infant foods and milk substitutes to protect breastfeeding practices and mitigate health risks for children.
Background
The order was issued by Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe under Section 30 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It prohibits commercial promotions of infant foods and imposes penalties of up to ₹10 lakh for violations.
Facts for Prelims
- Act / BillFood Safety and Standards Act, 2006: Governs the safety and standards of food products in India.
- FactPenalty for violations of the Maharashtra infant food compliance order: Up to ₹10 lakh.
- BodyMaharashtra Food and Drug Administration: State body responsible for enforcing food safety and drug regulations.
Prelims practice question
Under which act did the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration issue the compliance order to regulate infant foods?
- (a)Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- (b)Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- (c)Maternal and Child Health Act, 2005
- (d)Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Show answer
Answer: (d) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 — The order was issued under Section 30 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
For Mains
Q. Examine the role of state-level regulatory frameworks in promoting public health and protecting maternal and child nutrition against commercial influences.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory friction: Balancing commercial freedom of food manufacturers with public health mandates for infant nutrition.
- Public health intervention: Addressing the nutritional risks of early milk substitute adoption through restrictive marketing.
- Enforcement efficacy: Challenges in monitoring decentralized commercial promotions and ensuring compliance with labeling standards.
Keywords: Public Health · Regulatory Framework · Maternal Nutrition · Commercial Promotion · Food Safety Standards
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