Assessment of compliance level to nutrient requirements of codex alimentarius standard by manufacturers of commercially available infant formula in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Composition of infant formula should promote normal growth and development of the infants. Their adequacy should be determined for physiological, biochemical and functional outcomes.

Objective: The study investigated the nutrient adequacy of three brands of infant formula available in a Nigerian market with codex alimentarius standards and label claims.

Methods: Three brands of infant formula coded Brands 1, 2 and 3 were purchased from Bodija market, Ibadan, Oyo state; Nigeria. The samples were analysed for proximate, some minerals and vitamins composition using standard procedures of AOAC. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS-version 16.0) were used to analyse the data. Data are presented as means and standard deviations. Analysis of variance was used to establish any significant difference between the mean values, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The moisture content of the infant formula was high. Brand 1 had the highest moisture content while Brand 2 had the least. Brand 2 contained the highest protein, fat, carbohydrate and ash content while Brand 3 had the least. Brand 2 had the highest mineral composition, while Brand 1 had the least. Vitamins B₁, B₂, B₃, B₆, B₁₂, C and D contents of the three infant formula are in the order Brand2 >Brand3 >Brand 1. The gross energy content of the three infant formulas ranged from 504 to 511kcal/100g. Brand 2 provided the highest energy.

Conclusion: The analysed energy and nutrient contents of the formula were not in agreement with their claimed nutrient composition and the codex alimentarius standards.

Keywords: Infant formula, codex alimentarius standards and nutrient label compliance.