Competition and Markets Authority: Interim report on the infant formula market study

On 8 November the CMA published their interim market study report with a three-week consultation period for response to a list of proposed policy solutions to high infant formula prices and concerns on how the market functions.

ICYMI this market study was undertaken after an initial investigation published last November, which used our infant milk cost data to confirm profiteering by the big brands. We have been concerned about the high cost of infant formula for some time, first publicising our concerns in this report prepared on behalf of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Infant Feeding and Inequalities in 2018, and raising them again in 2022 and 2023 as we observed rising prices during the cost of living crisis.

Read a summary of the CMA’s findings and potential solutions here, and the response we prepared on behalf of the BFLG with extensive member inputs, here.

The CMA will publish their final report in February, and the DHSC will have 90 days to respond. We will continue to support the CMA in their work and liaise with the nutrition legislation team and representatives of the devolved nations as we advocate for policies to protect and support breastfeeding, and enable safe and appropriate formula feeding when needed, in line with the Code.