Brussels, 31/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - The use of milk-based “growing-up” formula does not bring additional value to a balanced diet to meet the nutritional requirements of young children in the European Union, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) states in a scientific opinion published on 25 October. Experts of the EFSA panel on dietetic products, nutrition and allergies (NDA) could identify “no unique role” for young-child formula (children of 1-3 years of age) in the diet of young children. They concluded that such a formula is no more effective in providing nutrients than other foods that constitute the normal diet of young children.
This opinion was given in response to a request by the European Commission that wished to have a clearer picture of the nutritional requirements and dietary intakes of infants and young children in the European Union, given that scientists and stakeholders have differing views as to whether these products are needed to satisfy the nutritional requirements of young children.
Unlike infant and follow-on formulae, young child formulae are not subject to specific EU rules, and the Commission is considering whether to recommend special provisions for these products in upcoming legislation.
Over recent years, increasing numbers of milk-based drinks and similar products intended for young children - labelled as “growing-up milk” or “toddlers milk” or similar - have been marketed in member states. (AN/transl.jl)