BENGALURU: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has conducted a surprise inspection at Bengaluru-based British Lifesciences Pvt Ltd and seized a large quantity of infant food products allegedly found to be misbranded and in violation of labelling regulations.
Officials found substandard and expired products during the inspection and initiated legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Authorities said around 3.7 metric tonnes of infant food products were seized and subsequently destroyed following court directions.
The action was taken to ensure that the products did not re-enter the market or get reused, given the potential health risks associated with feeding infants products that do not comply with prescribed food safety and labelling standards.
Doctors said infant formula should be used only when medically indicated and under professional guidance.
Dr Raghunandan, a paediatrician at KC General Hospital, said breast milk should remain the first choice for newborns and that government hospitals do not promote routine use of formula feeds.
Neonatologist Dr Rashmi advised parents against giving formula feeds to newborns without consulting a doctor. She warned that consumption of poor-quality or non-compliant infant food could potentially lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and infections, besides affecting an infant’s growth and development.
The FSSAI action comes amid concerns over the safety and quality of products intended for newborns and young children, for whom food safety standards are particularly stringent.
