Mumbai: HL September 30, 2026
Baby food packaging in Maharashtra will now face stricter labelling and promotional requirements, with the state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibiting the use of images of women or infants on packages of infant nutrition products.
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has issued a compliance order covering a wide range of infant nutrition products, including infant milk food, follow-up formula, complementary baby food, traditional infant food, foods meant for special medical purposes and feeding bottles. The order has immediate effect across the state.
Under the new directions, the front of every relevant package must prominently carry the message “IMPORTANT NOTICE – MOTHER’S MILK IS BEST FOR YOUR BABY.” The packaging must also provide information on appropriate feeding practices and warn consumers that infant food should be used on the advice of a health worker.
For complementary foods, manufacturers must clearly state that they should be introduced only after the baby completes six months of age. The rules also restrict claims or terminology that could suggest that an infant food product is equivalent to or an alternative to breast milk.
No Mother-and-Baby Images on Packs
The Maharashtra FDA has specifically prohibited pictures of women and infants on the packaging of covered infant food products. The restriction is consistent with India’s existing legal framework governing infant milk substitutes and infant foods, which also bars packaging from carrying images or promotional material designed to increase the saleability of such products.
Free Samples and Promotional Offers Restricted
The new compliance order also tightens promotional activities. Free samples, discount coupons, gifts and similar promotional benefits for infant formula and infant food products are prohibited. Restrictions also extend to advertising and influencer-led promotion, according to reports on the FDA order.
The FDA said the measures are aimed at strengthening compliance, promoting breastfeeding and ensuring that parents receive clear and appropriate information when choosing nutrition products for infants. The order does not ban formula milk; products can continue to be sold provided manufacturers and other stakeholders comply with the applicable regulations.
The move comes amid increased regulatory attention on infant nutrition products. Maharashtra FDA has said its scrutiny found compliance-related issues in the sector, prompting tighter enforcement of labelling, packaging and promotional requirements.
