Infant formula and follow-on formula are specifically covered by Commission Directive 2006/141/EC.

The Directive lays down the requirements for the composition and labelling of infant formula and follow-on formula.

Directive 2006/141/EC also encompasses the specific rules on the presence of pesticides residues in infant and follow-on formulae, previously set out in Commission Directive 1999/50/EC. It requires that infant formula and follow-on formula contain no detectable levels of pesticide residues, meaning not more than 0.01 milligrams of pesticide residues per kilogram. The Directive also prohibits the use of certain very toxic pesticides in the production of infant and follow-on formulae and establishes levels lower than the general maximum level of 0.01 milligrams per kilogram for a few other very toxic pesticides.

In addition to the requirements relating to infant formulae and follow-on formulae in Directive 2006/141/EC, there are also specific provisions on hygiene, on the use of food additives, on the presence of contaminants in the products and on the use of materials intended to come into contact with foodstuffs.

Cereals and other baby foods

Processed-cereal based foods and other baby foods (weaning foods) are specifically intended for infants (children under the age of 12 months) and young children (between one and three years) as they progress onto a mixed family diet.

Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children are covered by Commission Directive 2006/125/EC. It sets out rules on the composition and labelling of processed-cereal based foods and other baby foods. It gives criteria for the composition (protein, carbohydrate, fat, mineral substances and vitamins) of weaning foods including, where necessary, minimum and maximum levels.

The Directive encompasses the specific rules on the presence of pesticides residues in processed cereal-based baby foods and baby foods set out in Commission Directive 99/39/EC and requires that this type of food contains no detectable levels of pesticide residues, meaning not more than 0.01 milligrams of pesticide residues per kilogram. In addition, the Directive prohibits the use of certain very toxic pesticides in the production of processed cereal-based baby foods and baby foods and establishes levels lower than the general maximum level of 0,01 milligrams per kilogram for a few other very toxic pesticides.

In addition to the requirements relating to processed-cereal based foods and other baby foods in Directive 2006/125/EC there are also specific provisions on hygiene, on the use of food additives, on the presence of contaminants in the products and on the use of materials intended to come into contact with foodstuffs.