The health minister‚ Dr Aaron Motsoaledi‚ is proposing tough new labelling rules for baby food and formula in a bid to encourage breast feeding. Regulations issued for comment include the proposal that baby food labels should include the sentences “does not contain beast milk” and “breast milk is the best food for babies”.The information should be “in bold letters at least 3mm in height‚ which shall be at the top of the front main panel of the label”.The proposed regulations also require that the products also prominently display “the age range of the infants or young children for which such product is suitable” in a font size of at least 3mm for a 400g tin.Other warnings to be included on the bottom of labels should read “this product shall only be used on the advice of a health professional” and that “this product is not always sterile. It must be prepared and used appropriately”.Further proposed regulations will clamp down on the marketing of bottles.“A feeding bottle‚ teat or feeding cup or the label‚ package or container thereof shall not show any graphic representation other than for illustrating cleaning and sterilization and the logo of the manufacturer or distributor.”The proposed regulations will also prohibit the supply of free samples of infant food by shops or health practitioners.-RDM News Wire..