Overview

This bill aims to improve the health of babies and young children by controlling the advertising and promotion of feeding products, establishing standards for product composition and safety, and creating a new regulatory agency.

Description

The bill establishes the Infant and Young Child Nutrition Agency (the Agency) to oversee the regulation of feeding products for infants and young children up to 36 months old. The Agency will:

• Set standards for the composition, safety, and labeling of feeding products.
• License feeding products, ensuring they meet these standards.
• Control the advertising and promotion of these products, potentially including restrictions on certain methods and media, and a possible ban on advertising for children under one.
• Monitor and evaluate claims made about the products.
• Specify packaging standards, including requirements for plain packaging, specified font sizes and colors, nutritional information, and breastfeeding promotion.
• Provide advice and information to families, health professionals, and manufacturers.

The bill also outlines offences and penalties for non-compliance, with potential punishments ranging from fines to imprisonment.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government spending to fund the establishment and operation of the Infant and Young Child Nutrition Agency. The exact figure is not specified in the bill.

Groups Affected

• Manufacturers of infant and young child feeding products: Will be subject to new licensing requirements, advertising restrictions, and packaging standards. Compliance costs are likely to increase.
• Retailers of infant and young child feeding products: Will need to ensure they only stock licensed products and comply with advertising and packaging requirements.
• Families with infants and young children: May benefit from clearer labeling, safer products, and less misleading advertising.
• Health professionals: Will be provided with advice and information by the Agency.
• Advertising agencies: Will need to adhere to the new advertising restrictions imposed by the Agency.

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