The EU Regulation

What will change?

The main differences will be in the composition and labelling of infant and follow-on formulae. Here is an overview of the main changes:

Protein

• reduction of the maximum permissible protein levels to 1.8 g – <2.0 g/100 kcal to resemble those in breast milk
• L-carnitine: mandatory addition to all infant formulae

LCP fatty acids

• docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): mandatory addition to all infant and follow-on formulae
• arachidonic acid (ARA): still optional

Micronutrients

• adjustment of minimum and maximum permissible vitamin and mineral levels

Nutritional claims and health claims

• General ban for infant formulae (except for lactose & DHA)

Protein – less is more

Recent studies have shown that a protein intake that exceeds babies’ and toddlers’ physiological needs increases the risk of obesity later in life. This is why the maximum permissible protein levels in infant and follow-on formulae specified in the new regulation are lower than before. Thanks to reliable scientific data, an underlying safety study is no longer needed for formulae with a reduced protein content (>1.8 g/100 kcal).

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) – DHA is mandatory

Breast milk contains both DHA and ARA, which are important for brain and visual development. These fatty acids are particularly important for babies during the first months of life as their bodies cannot yet produce sufficient amounts of LCPs. This is why the new EU Regulation, for the first time, stipulates the mandatory addition of DHA to infant and follow-on formulae. We have, however, been adding DHA and ARA to our HiPP formulae for many years.

ARA is still not a mandatory ingredient, but it can be used as an optional addition. Experts also explicitly support the addition of DHA and ARA to infant formula. Studies have shown that formulae not fortified with these fatty acids may lead to significantly lower fatty acid levels in bottle-fed infants compared to breastfed infants, as breast milk naturally contains ARA [2].

HiPP ORGANIC COMBIOTIC^® provides much more than the minimum required by law

All manufacturers must comply with the legal minimum standards. Premium products, however, also contain additional optional ingredients.

• HiPP infant formulae are fortified with DHA and ARA (omega-6), as recommended by international experts [2]. Breast milk also contains both DHA and ARA, which are important for brain and visual development.
• A protein content that is tailored to meet age-specific needs for healthy growth.
• Improved total fat content
• HiPP ORGANIC COMBIOTIC® formulae contain a tried-and-tested combination of functional ingredients of natural origin:
• – GOS: derived from organic lactose
• – L. fermentum: originally isolated from breast milk
• HiPP’s unique organic Quality

Important notice: Depending on country-specific legislation and recommendation, the ingredients in HiPP COMBIOTIC^® formula can differ. Please visit for detail your
local consumer-website.

Overview of nutritional Information (PDF)
The most important information at a glance (PDF)