Processed Cereal-based Foods and Baby Foods for Infants and Young Children Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003

Made: 12th December 2003

Coming into operation: 6th March 2005

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety[^f00001] in exercise of the powers conferred on it by Articles 15(1)(a), (e) and (f), 16(1), 25(1)(a) and (3), 26(3) and 47(2) of the Food Safety (Northern Ireland) Order 1991[^f00002] and of all other powers enabling it in that behalf, having had regard in accordance with Article 47(3A) of the said Order to relevant advice given by the Food Standards Agency and after consultation both as required by Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council[^f00003] laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety and in accordance with Article 47(3) and (3B) of the said Order, hereby makes the following Regulations:

Citation and commencement

1

These Regulations may be cited as the Processed Cereal-based Foods and Baby Foods for Infants and Young Children Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 and shall come into operation on 6th March 2005.

Interpretation

2

• (1) In these Regulations –

• “baby foods” means foods for particular nutritional use fulfilling the particular requirements of infants and young children in good health and intended for use by infants while they are being weaned, and by young children as a supplement to their diet or for their progressive adaptation to ordinary food, but excludes processed cereal-based foods;

• “the Directive” means Commission Directive 2006/125/EC on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children;

• ...[^f00008][^f00009]

• “infants” means children under the age of twelve months;

• “the Order” means the Food Safety (Northern Ireland) Order 1991;

• “pesticide residue” means the residue in processed cereal-based foods or baby foods of a plant protection product as defined in point 1 of Article 2 of Council Directive 91/414/EEC[^f00010] concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market, including its metabolites and products resulting from its degradation or reaction;

• “processed cereal-based foods” means foods for particular nutritional use within the categories specified in Part I of Schedule 1 fulfilling the particular requirements of infants and young children in good health and intended for use by infants while they are being weaned, and by young children as a supplement to their diet or for their progressive adaptation to ordinary food;

• “sell” includes possess for sale and offer, expose or advertise for sale; and

• “young children” means children aged between one and three years.

• (2) Other expressions used in these Regulations and in the Directive have the same meaning in these Regulations as they have in the Directive.

• (3) Where any Schedule contains any note, the provisions of that Schedule shall be interpreted and applied in accordance with such note.

Exemption

3

These Regulations shall not apply to any baby food which is a milk intended for young children.

Restrictions on the sale of processed cereal-based foods and baby foods

4

No person shall sell any processed cereal-based food or baby food unless –

• (a) it complies with the requirements of regulations 5 to 7 as to manufacture and composition; and

• (b) it is labelled in accordance with regulation 8.

General requirements as to manufacture and composition

5

• (1) No processed cereal-based food or baby food shall be manufactured from any ingredient other than those whose suitability for particular nutritional use by infants and young children has been established by generally accepted scientific data.

• (2) No processed cereal-based food or baby food shall contain any substance in such quantity as to endanger the health of infants or young children.

• (3) The composition of a processed cereal-based food shall comply with the criteria specified in Part II of Schedule 1 as read with Schedule 2.

• (4) The composition of a baby food shall comply with the criteria specified in Schedule 3.

Added nutritional substances and nutrients

6

• (1) In the manufacture of any processed cereal-based food or baby food, no nutritional substance shall be added other than a nutritional substance specified in Schedule 4.

• (2) No processed cereal-based food or baby food shall contain any added nutrient specified in column 1 of Part I of Schedule 5 in an amount exceeding the maximum limit specified opposite that nutrient in column 2 of that Part.

• (3) No processed cereal-based food or baby food specified in column 1 of Part II of Schedule 5 shall contain any added nutrient specified opposite that food in column 2 of that Part in an amount exceeding the maximum limit specified opposite that food in column 3 of that Part.

Pesticide residues

7

• (1) No processed cereal-based food or baby food shall contain –

• (a) any pesticide residue of a pesticide specified in Schedule 6; or

• (b) any omethoate, where it is a metabolite of a pesticide not specified in Schedule 6, or any product resulting from degradation or reaction of that metabolite,

at a level exceeding 0.003 mg/kg.

• (2) No processed cereal-based food or baby food shall contain any pesticide residue of a pesticide specified in column 1 of Schedule 7 at a level exceeding that specified in column 2 of that Schedule in relation to that pesticide.

• (3) No processed cereal-based food or baby food shall contain any pesticide residue of any individual pesticide which is not specified in Schedule 6 or column 1 of Schedule 7 at a level exceeding 0.01 mg/kg.

• (4) The levels referred to in paragraphs (1) to (3) apply to the processed cereal-based food or baby food –

• (a) manufactured as ready for consumption, or

• (b) if it is not so manufactured, as reconstituted according to its manufacturer’s instructions.

• (5) Analytical methods for determining levels of pesticide residues for the purposes of this regulation shall be generally acceptable standardised methods.

Labelling

8

• (1) Without prejudice to the generality of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision of food information to consumers , processed cereal-based foods and baby foods shall be labelled with the following particulars –

• (a) a statement as to the appropriate age (which shall be not less than four months) from which the food may be used, regard being had to its composition, texture or other particular properties;

• (b) information as to the presence or absence of gluten if the age stated pursuant to sub-paragraph (a) is less than six months;

• (c) the available energy value expressed in kJ and kcal, and the protein, carbohydrate and fat content, expressed in numerical form, per 100g or 100ml of the food as sold and, where appropriate, per specified quantity of the food as proposed for consumption;

• (d) the average quantity, expressed in numerical form, per 100g or 100ml of the food as sold and, where appropriate, per specified quantity of the food as proposed for consumption, of each mineral substance and of each vitamin in respect of which a maximum or a minimum compositional requirement is specified in –

• (i) Part II of Schedule 1 in the case of processed cereal-based foods; and

• (ii) Schedule 3 in the case of baby foods; and

• (e) if preparation of the food is necessary, appropriate instructions for preparation and a statement as to the importance of following those instructions.

• (2) Subject to paragraph (1)(d), no processed cereal-based food or baby food shall be labelled with the average quantity of any nutrient specified in Schedule 4 unless –

• (a) that average quantity is expressed in numerical form, per 100g or 100ml of the food as sold and, where appropriate, per specified quantity of the food as proposed for consumption; and

• (b) in the case of a mineral substance or vitamin, it is a mineral substance or vitamin other than one referred to in paragraph (1)(d).

• (3) Where, pursuant to paragraph (1)(d) or paragraph (2), any processed cereal-based food or baby food is labelled with the average quantity, per 100g or 100ml of the food as sold and, where appropriate, per specified quantity of the food as proposed for consumption, of any vitamin or mineral which is specified in column 1 of Schedule 8, the labelling of the food shall not express that average quantity as a percentage of the reference value specified in column 2 of Schedule 8 in relation to that vitamin or mineral unless the quantity present is equal to 15 per cent or more of the reference value.

Enforcement

9

Each district council shall enforce and execute these Regulations within its district.

Offence and penalty

10

If any person contravenes regulation 4 he shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Defence in relation to exports

11

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Application of various provisions of the Order

12

The following provisions of the Order shall apply for the purposes of these Regulations and any reference in them to the Order shall be construed as a reference to these Regulations –

• (a) Articles 2(4) and 3 (extended meaning of “sale” etc.);

• (b) Article 4 (presumptions that food intended for human consumption);

• (c) Article 19 (offences due to fault of another person);

• (d) Article 20 (defence of due diligence) as it applies for the purposes of Articles 7, 13 or 14 of the Order;

• (e) Article 21 (defence of publication in the course of business);

• (f) Article 30(8) (which relates to documentary evidence);

• (g) Article 34 (obstruction, etc., of officers);

• (h) Article 36 (punishment of offences) in so far as it relates to offences under Article 34(1) and (2) as applied by paragraph (g).

Revocations

13

The Processed Cereal-based Foods and Baby Foods for Infants and Young Children Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997[^f00013], the Processed Cereal-based Foods and Baby Foods for Infants and Young Children (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999[^f00014] and the Processed Cereal-based Foods and Baby Foods for Infants and Young Children (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000[^f00015] are hereby revoked.

SCHEDULE 1 — PROCESSED CEREAL-BASED FOODS

PART I — Categories of processed cereal-based foods

1

Simple cereals which are or have to be reconstituted with milk or other appropriate nutritious liquids.

2

Cereals with an added high protein food which are or have to be reconstituted with water or other protein-free liquid.

3

Pastas which are to be used after cooking in boiling water or other appropriate liquids.

4

Rusks and biscuits which are to be used either directly or, after pulverisation, with the addition of water, milk or other suitable liquids.

PART II — Essential composition of processed cereal-based foods

The requirements concerning nutrients refer to the products ready for use, marketed as such or reconstituted as instructed by the manufacturer.

Cereal content

1

Processed cereal-based foods are prepared primarily from one or more milled cereals and/or starchy root products.

Protein

2

• (2.1) For products mentioned in paragraphs 2 and 4 of Part I, the protein content shall not exceed 1.3 g/100 kJ (5.5 g/100 kcal).

• (2.2) For products mentioned in paragraph 2 of Part I, the added protein shall not be less than 0.48 g/100 kJ (2 g/100 kcal).

• (2.3) For biscuits mentioned in paragraph 4 of Part I made with the addition of a high protein food, and presented as such, the added protein shall not be less than 0.36 g/100 kJ (1.5 g/100 kcal).

• (2.4) The chemical index of the added protein shall be equal to at least 80 per cent of that of the reference protein (casein as defined in Schedule 2), or the protein efficiency ratio (PER) of the protein in the mixture shall be equal to at least 70 per cent of that of the reference protein. In all cases, the addition of amino acids is permitted solely for the purpose of improving the nutritional value of the protein mixture, and only in the proportions necessary for that purpose.

Carbohydrates

3

• (3.1) If sucrose, fructose, glucose, glucose syrups or honey are added to products mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 4 of Part I:

• the amount of added carbohydrates from these sources shall not exceed 1.8 g/100 kJ (7.5 g/100 kcal),

• the amount of added fructose shall not exceed 0.9 g/100 kJ (3.75 g/100 kcal).

• (3.2) If sucrose, fructose, glucose syrups or honey are added to products mentioned in paragraph 2 of Part I:

• the amount of added carbohydrates from these sources shall not exceed 1.2 g/100 kJ (5 g/100 kcal),

• the amount of added fructose shall not exceed 0.6 g/100 kJ (2.5 g/100 kcal).

Fat

4

• (4.1) For products mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 4 of Part I, the fat content shall not exceed 0.8 g/100 kJ (3.3 g/100 kcal).

• (4.2) For products mentioned in paragraph 2 of Part I, the fat content shall not exceed 1.1 g/100 kJ (4.5 g/100 kcal). If the fat content exceeds 0.8 g/100 kJ (3.3 g/100 kcal):

• (a) the amount of lauric acid shall not exceed 15 per cent of the total fat content;

• (b) the amount of myristic acid shall not exceed 15 per cent of the total fat content;

• (c) the amount of linoleic acid (in the form of glycerides = linoleates) shall not be less than 70 mg/100 kJ (300 mg/100 kcal) and shall not exceed 285 mg/100 kJ (1200 mg/100 kcal).

Minerals

5

Sodium 5.1 sodium salts may only be added to processed cereal-based foods for technological purposes, the sodium content of processed cereal-based foods shall not exceed 25 mg /100 kJ (100 mg/100 kcal).

Calcium 5.2 5.2.1 For products mentioned in paragraph 2 of Part I, the amount of calcium shall not be less than 20 mg/100 kJ (80 mg/100 kcal). 5.2.2 For products mentioned in paragraph 4 of Part I manufactured with the addition of milk (milk biscuits) and presented as such, the amount of calcium shall not be less than 12 mg/100 kJ (50 mg/100 kcal).

Vitamins

6

• (6.1) For processed cereal-based foods the amount of thiamin shall not be less than 25 μg/100 kJ (100 μg/100 kcal).

• (6.2) For products mentioned in paragraph 2 of Part I:

	Per 100 kJ	Per 100 kJ	Per 100 kcal	Per 100 kcal
	Minimum	Maximum	Minimum	Maximum
(1) RE = all trans retinol equivalents	(1) RE = all trans retinol equivalents	(1) RE = all trans retinol equivalents	(1) RE = all trans retinol equivalents	(1) RE = all trans retinol equivalents
(2) In the form of cholecalciferol, of which 10 μg = 400 i.u. of Vitamin D.	(2) In the form of cholecalciferol, of which 10 μg = 400 i.u. of Vitamin D.	(2) In the form of cholecalciferol, of which 10 μg = 400 i.u. of Vitamin D.	(2) In the form of cholecalciferol, of which 10 μg = 400 i.u. of Vitamin D.	(2) In the form of cholecalciferol, of which 10 μg = 400 i.u. of Vitamin D.
These limits are also applicable if vitamins A and D are added to other processed cereal-based foods.	These limits are also applicable if vitamins A and D are added to other processed cereal-based foods.	These limits are also applicable if vitamins A and D are added to other processed cereal-based foods.	These limits are also applicable if vitamins A and D are added to other processed cereal-based foods.	These limits are also applicable if vitamins A and D are added to other processed cereal-based foods.
Vitamin A (μg RE)[^f01000]	14	43	60	180
Vitamin D (μg)[^f01001]	0.25	0.75	1	3

SCHEDULE 2 — AMINO ACID COMPOSITION OF CASEIN

Amino acid	(g per 100 g of protein)
Arginine	3.7
Cystine	0.3
Histidine	2.9
Isoleucine	5.4
Leucine	9.5
Lysine	8.1
Methionine	2.8
Phenylalanine	5.2
Threonine	4.7
Tryptophan	1.6
Tyrosine	5.8
Valine	6.7

SCHEDULE 3 — ESSENTIAL COMPOSITION OF BABY FOODS

The requirements concerning nutrients refer to the products ready for use, marketed as such or reconstituted as instructed by the manufacturer.

Protein

1

• (1.1) If meat, poultry, fish, offal or other traditional source of protein are the only ingredients mentioned in the name of the product, then:

• the named meat, poultry, fish, offal or other traditional protein source, in total, shall constitute not less than 40 per cent by weight of the total product,

• each named meat, poultry, fish, offal or other traditional source of protein shall constitute not less than 25 per cent, by weight, of total named protein sources,

• the total protein from the named sources shall not be less than 1.7 g/100 kJ (7 g/100 kcal).

• (1.2) If meat, poultry, fish, offal or other traditional source of protein, singularly or in combination, are mentioned first in the name of the product, whether or not the product is presented as a meal, then:

• the named poultry, fish, offal or other traditional protein source, in total, shall constitute not less than 10 per cent by weight of the total product,

• each named meat, poultry, fish, offal or other traditional source of protein shall constitute not less than 25 per cent by weight, of total named protein sources,