Introduction
Children below the age of five are especially vulnerable to foodborne illness and related health problems since their immune systems are still developing. Infants cannot fend off infections compared to adults because their immune systems are still growing. In addition, small children have lower stomach acid production, which makes them more vulnerable to disease-causing germs. Due to their still-developing digestive systems, infants are an especially vulnerable group when it comes to dietary deficits[1]. Foodborne sickness also referred to as food poisoning, can be highly hazardous for infants since it frequently causes nausea, diarrhoea, or both. The bodies of kids are tiny; therefore, fast loss of fluids can easily cause dehydration in them.
About food poisoning
Each year, millions of children in the United States suffer from food poisoning, a disease or illness that is caused by consuming tainted food. Even though it’s one of the most nutritious food sources in the world, 48 million cases of foodborne disease are reported to the government at large annually. The same as making every sixth American sick every year. Furthermore, these illnesses are thought to be the cause of 3,000 fatalities as well as 128,000 hospital admissions on an annual basis[2].
Food Poisoning Causes
- Viruses and bacteria: The most frequent cause of food poisoning is a bacterial infection. The signs and severity of food poisoning can vary depending on the kind of germ or virus that contaminates the food.
- Parasites: Parasites are living things that feed on and shield themselves from other living things called hosts. The three most prevalent foodborne parasites in the US are roundworms, tapeworms and protozoa.
• Molds, Toxins, and Contaminants: Rather than harmful ingredients in the food, bacteria, viruses, and parasites are the main causes of food poisoning. However, certain cases of food poisoning may be related to additional or natural poisons. - Allergens: An abnormal reaction to a meal that is brought on by your immune system is known as a food allergy. Those with food allergies may experience adverse reactions to certain foods, including peanuts, wheat, soybeans, fish, eggs, milk, and crab and shellfish.
Baby Safety Food Act, 2024
U.S. Senators have sponsored legislation to limit the levels of hazardous heavy metals allowed in foods prepared for infants and toddlers to preserve the health of young children. Representatives Tony Cárdenas (D-California) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Illinois) are leading a similar bill in the House.
The Baby Food Safety Act of 2024[3] would allow the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States to enforce limits on heavy metals in commercially produced infant and toddler food that have been scientifically established (i.e., foods purportedly intended for children under the age of 24 months). Additionally, by starting a study of FDA foreign/domestic inspections, the bill would bring greater transparency to the rate of food facility inspections conducted by the FDA in the United States and abroad. It would also set requirements for food manufacturers regarding sampling, testing, and recordkeeping for contaminants in imported and domestic processed food.
Nestlé’s Case Violation of India’s IMS Act
The Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) has revealed that the multinational conglomerate Nestle has violated the nation’s infant food regulations. The Child Milk Alternatives, Feeding Tubes, and Infant Suppers (Regulation of Manufacturing, Distribution, and Marketing Act, 1992, and Amendment Act, 2003) prohibit the promotion of infant meals intended for ingestion by children under the age of two. The matter has been acknowledged by the courts, who have taken appropriate action. According to the IMS Act, “promotion” refers to using any strategy, whether direct or indirect, to persuade someone to buy or utilize baby food, feeding bottles, or substitute milk. Nestle was discovered to be violating India’s baby food regulations, despite the country’s legislation governing them dating back more than 20 years. This underscores the need for stricter enforcement and accountability protocols[4].
The responsibilities of the FSSAI and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
India’s baby food market is growing steadily as more parents become conscious of the need to provide their infants with the nourishment they need. Even though developed countries have a much higher demand for baby food than developing ones do, the market is seeing an increase in demand because of consumers’ growing purchasing power and working women’s busy lifestyles, which prevent them from cooking for their babies at home. In India, there is just one major player in the highly organized baby food market: Nestle.
In India, infant milk products must comply with regulations set forth by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act & Regulations must be followed in their compositions. Their supply, distribution, and manufacturing are regulated by the Baby Milk Replacements, Feeding Bottles, and Infant Foods Act, 1992 as modified in 2003 (IMS Act).
The BIS states that the processed cereal complementary meal needs to be lump-free, homogeneous in shape, and available in powder, small particles, or flaky form. It must be devoid of artificial colouring, flavouring, and preservatives. It must include a minimum of 75% milled cereal and legumes combined. Protein quality cannot be below 70% of casein in products that are intended to be mixed with water before consumption, and the minimum protein level cannot be below fifteen per cent based on dry matter. The product’s salt level cannot be more than 100 mg per 100 grams of the edible product. Trans-fatty acid-containing hydrogenated fats cannot be added to the products4.
BABY FOOD SAFETY TIPS
Cooking food to the correct temperature and storing it correctly are the cornerstones of fundamental food safety. When food is heated for enough amount of time and to a temperature high enough to destroy the dangerous bacteria that cause foodborne illness, it is said to be properly cooked[5]. Food poisoning and spoiling are avoided when food is stored properly, maintaining food quality. It also relies on how their parents and other caregivers behave when it comes to food safety. Hand washing is particularly crucial. Hand washing should be done often by kids and caregivers, especially before, during, and after food preparation and eating.
Conclusion
A strong legislative framework is necessary to ensure the safety and nutritional value of baby foods, which is a crucial public health concern. The most disadvantaged sections of society can have their health and well-being protected by governments through the establishment of comprehensive food safety standards, the prohibition of dangerous goods and practices, and the strengthening of regulatory agencies such as the FDA and FSSAI. In light of the ongoing worldwide food safety crisis, policymakers and legislators must continue to prioritize the special requirements of newborns and young children. It is only with a coordinated, multi-stakeholder effort that we can guarantee every child has access to food that is healthy, safe and sustains life.
Author(s) Name: Yashasvi Panwar (Asian Law College, Noida)
References:
[1] Government website, “children under five” <People at Risk: Children Under Five | FoodSafety.gov> accessed on 26 June 2024
[2] Government website, “Food Poisoning” < Food Poisoning | FoodSafety.gov> accessed on 26 June 2024
[3] US Bill, “Baby Food Safety Act,2024 ” < TAM24545 (senate.gov)> accessed on 26 June 2024
[4] Priyanka Dwivedi, “Safe Baby Food” <https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/sites/default/files/file-uploads/consumer_information/Baby%20Food.pdf> accessed on 26 June 2024
[5] Dr Sajid, “Baby food safety” <https://milkyourbaby.com/baby-food-safety/> accessed on 26 June 2024
