Subject to certain requirements, carbohydrates permitted in infant formula are:1

·       lactose

·       maltose

·       sucrose

·       glucose

·       glucose syrup or dried glucose syrup

·       malto-dextrins

·       pre-cooked starch (naturally free of gluten)

·       gelatinised starch (naturally free of gluten).

Fructo-oligosaccharides and galacto-oligosaccharides are permitted up to certain levels.

Follow-on formula may additionally contain fructose or honey, provided it has been treated to destroy Clostridium botulinum spores.

While there is normally a minimum requirement for lactose content, this does not apply to formula in which soya protein isolates represent more than half of the total protein content, or if the product is to be labelled ‘lactose-free.’

Sucrose and glucose can only be added to formula made from protein hydrolysates. Glucose syrup or dried glucose syrup can only be added to formula derived from cows’ or goats’ milk or soya proteins only if total dextrose content does not exceed a certain level.