In November 2023, the Codex Alimentarius Commission adopted the revised Standard for Follow-up Formula for Older Infants and Product for Young Children* (CXS 156-1987), initially issued in 1987. ISDI welcomes the new Standard, which provides a global upgrade of these products to the latest scientific developments, for the benefit of the two age groups: older infants and young children. As a Codex Observer, ISDI has accompanied these discussions and provided scientific support throughout the revision process.

This guidance provides the background regarding the new Standard, which defines these two categories of product at international level, and aims to facilitate the transition from the Standard for Follow-up Formula to the new Standard for Follow-up Formula for Older Infants and Product for Young Children*. It also provides general information to facilitate the reading and understanding of the revised Standard.

While the Standard aims to harmonise rules, some provisions are left to national authorities to decide and are identified accordingly in the guidance, which also includes ISDI recommendations where relevant.

For ease of reading, this brochure refers to Part A for Follow-up Formula for Older Infants or Part B for Product for Young Children*.

Read the ISDI position on the implementation of the Standard for information about why adaptations to compositional and labelling requirements for Follow-up Formula for Older Infants and Product for Young Children require a transition period of at least 36 months.

*Other equivalent names for this product are “Drink for young children with added nutrients”, or “Product for young children with added nutrients”, or “Drink for young children”.