Public Health (Breast-milk Substitutes, Infant and Young Child Nutrition Regulations, 2024 (SI 192 of 2024).

The Public Health (Breastmilk Substitutes, Infant and Young Child Nutrition) Regulations, 2024 establish a comprehensive legal framework in Zimbabwe to safeguard infant and young child nutrition, particularly by regulating the marketing, labelling, and distribution of breastmilk substitutes and related products. The regulations begin by defining key terms such as “designated products,” which include infant formula, follow-up formula, complementary foods, feeding items, and other milk-like products. They also define roles for various stakeholders, including health workers, manufacturers, and distributors. A central body—the Infant and Young Children Nutrition Committee—is created to oversee enforcement, approve educational materials and product labels, and advise the Minister of Health. This committee is supported by subcommittees focused on packaging and labelling, education and advocacy, and marketing and advertising. The regulations strictly control education and information dissemination. Manufacturers and distributors are prohibited from directly educating the public on infant nutrition unless approved by the committee. All educational materials must promote breastfeeding and avoid imagery or language that idealizes breastmilk substitutes. Labelling requirements are stringent. Labels must be clear, multilingual, and include warnings, preparation instructions, and statements promoting breastfeeding. Products like sweetened condensed milk and cow’s milk must carry bold warnings indicating they are unfit for infants. Advertising and promotion of designated products is broadly prohibited, especially within healthcare systems. Sales promotions, samples, and sponsorships are banned to prevent commercial influence on infant feeding practices. Donations and special offers are only permitted under strict conditions, such as medical necessity or disaster relief, and must be authorized by the Minister. Even then, branding and promotional use are restricted. The regulations also address marketing personnel, barring them from accessing pregnant women or caregivers in healthcare settings. Food safety standards must align with national or Codex Alimentarius guidelines. Enforcement powers include inspection, seizure, and recall of non-compliant products. The Minister may demand product details and sample analyses. Violations attract fines or imprisonment, with escalating penalties for repeat offences.