FSSAI's Unexpected Policy Reversal

In a surprising move, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has retracted its advisory from September 2020, which tasked food safety officers with monitoring violations of the Infant Milk Substitutes (IMS) Act. This law regulates the promotion and marketing of baby foods.

The RTI Revelation

Responding to a Right to Information (RTI) query filed in March 2025, FSSAI stated that the IMS Act does not fall under its jurisdiction, contradicting its earlier stance. The authority clarified that the Act is under the purview of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Legal and Health Implications

This reversal has raised concerns among health advocates, particularly the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI), which highlighted the potential for unchecked violations by infant formula companies. The BPNI has called for the enforcement responsibilities of the IMS Act to be reassigned to the Health Ministry to better protect infant health.

A Call to Action

The BPNI's statement underscores the importance of aligning enforcement with medical expertise to meet national health targets, including improving the early initiation of breastfeeding rates, currently at a low of 41%.