Administrative Order No. 18 S. 1997 on the Labelling of infant formula "breastmilk supplement" or "follow-on formula". Country/Territory Philippines Document type Regulation Date 2004 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Food & nutrition Keyword Packaging/labelling Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings Food quality control/food safety Procedural matters Processing/handling Breastfeeding/infant food Nutrition Geographical area Asia, Asia and the Pacific, East Asian Seas, North Pacific, South-Eastern Asia Entry into force notes This Order enters into force immediately after its publication. Abstract The Department of Health acknowledged that the term “follow-on formula” has been perceived as synonymous to breastmilk substitute which the mother gives instead of breastmilk to children six months and older. The advertisement of the said “follow-on formula” as such therefore is not consistent with the fact that breastmilk is the best food for babies up to two years. As a rule, advertising messages are based on the approved labelling of the products; hence, that would be approved by the BFAD during the registration of he breastmilk substitute or supplement can be made the basis for advertising materials. To promote breastfeeding for the safe and adequate nutrition of infants; and for advertising materials to conform with the labelling of the product, an Order is hereby issued for the use of the term “breastmilk supplement” to refer to “follow-on formula” on the labelling of the follow-on formula/breastmilk substitute. If the manufacturer intends to maintain the term “follow-on formula” on the labeling of the product, a conspicuous message or statement shall have to be printed stating that “This product is not a breastmilk substitute” immediately below the term “follow-on formula”, in addition to the other primary standards messages required by Executive Order No. 51 or the “National Code on the Marketing of Breastmilk Substitute, Breastmlk Supplements and other Related Products". Full text English Website www.fda.gov.ph References - Legislation Implements Executive Order No. 51 adopting a National Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, Breastmilk Supplement and Other Related Products. Legislation | Philippines | 1986 Keyword: Packaging/labelling, Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Food quality control/food safety, Procedural matters, Processing/handling, Breastfeeding/infant food, Internal trade, International trade, Nutrition Source: FAO, FAOLEX