Jordan Proposes Standard for Foods for Infants and Young Children

Jordan has circulated draft Standard 2437/2026, proposing composition, safety and labelling requirements for non-cereal-based complementary foods for infants from six months and young children up to 36 months. Infant formula, follow-on formula and cereal-based infant foods are excluded.

The draft sets minimum ingredient proportions and protein levels for certain products containing named protein sources, alongside category-specific limits for carbohydrates, fat and sodium. It also regulates vitamin and mineral fortification, prohibits added vitamin D and restricts added vitamin A to specified vegetable juices. Hydrogenated fats and treatment with ionising radiation would be prohibited.

Products would need to comply with requirements covering contaminants, pesticide and veterinary drug residues, microbiological safety, moisture, consistency and particle size. Packaging would need to protect product hygiene and comply with Jordanian food-contact requirements, with ready-to-drink liquids supplied in tightly sealed or hermetically closed containers.

Mandatory labelling information would need to appear in Arabic and include ingredients, nutritional information, shelf life, storage conditions, and preparation and usage instructions. Labels would need to indicate a recommended age of use of at least six months and state that decisions on introducing complementary foods, including any exception to this age threshold, should be guided by healthcare professionals according to the infant’s growth and developmental needs.

Images of infants, mothers or feeding bottles would be prohibited, alongside wording presenting the product as a substitute for breastfeeding or suggesting that its use is the ideal choice.

The draft draws upon EU provisions for infant and young-child foods. Reponses to the consultation are accepted until 16 October 2026