Kenya puts in place tougher labelling for baby foods, bottles, teats and pacifiers

The stringent measures included in the updated regulations are likely to further improve the exclusive breastfeeding rate in Kenya. [iStockphoto]

The Kenyan government has provided more stringent measures for the labelling of feeding bottles, teats and pacifier packages. It wants the labels of these products to include a warning that their use can have negative effects on breastfeeding.

The new regulations show the government’s commitment to revisiting a law passed in Kenya in 2012 that laid the groundwork for key regulations around the marketing of breast milk substitutes. These substitutes include infant formulas, follow-on formulas and any other food or drink, alongside feeding bottles and teats, intended for babies and young children.