El Salvador Tightens Regulations on Infant Formula Labeling

El Salvador's Legislative Assembly has passed a reform of the Law of Commercialization of Breast-Milk Substitutes. This reform mandates that all substitute products, including infant formulas and complementary foods for children under two years, feature clear and visible warnings about the superiority of breast milk and potential health risks of unnecessary substitute use.

The reform also imposes strict restrictions on marketing strategies used by the dairy and infant nutrition industries. Promotion that suggests artificial products are equivalent or superior to breast milk is banned. Additionally, labels must be easily understandable, avoiding technical jargon that might confuse parents or caregivers regarding the actual nutritional value of the products.

Legislators have highlighted that this measure addresses a public health need, aiming to curb aggressive advertising that often discourages natural breastfeeding. Companies in El Salvador will need to adjust their graphic production processes and marketing policies accordingly. Non-compliance will result in administrative sanctions, reinforcing a regulatory framework that prioritizes neonatal health over commercial interests.