With the repeal of Directive 2009/39/EC in 2016, toddler formula and milk products have been designated as general foods, thus falling within the scope of the General Food Law. In the Netherlands, the Commodities Act Decree on the addition of micronutrients to foods for general food products includes a restriction on the addition of vitamins and minerals, as an excessive intake of these substances may be harmful. As a consequence, it has no longer been lawful to sell toddler formula and milk on the Dutch market since 2016. This Decree allows the industry to continue marketing toddler formula and milk as a general food with minor adjustments to the current composition, as is the practice in other EU Member States. In the event of possible nutrient deficiencies, these products could certainly play a role. In special cases and based on scientific advice, the addition of specific vitamins, minerals or other substances to foods may be required. This scientific advice is lacking for toddler formula and toddler milk. Therefore, this Decree does not contain any obligation to add specific vitamins, minerals or other substances to toddler formula and milk.

Commodities Act Decree on toddler formula and toddler milk