Baby Formula Milk Being Sold in Pakistan is “Hazardous”

In a concerning revelation, it has come to light that the formula milk, commonly known as baby formula for infants, being distributed in the Pakistan is deemed “hazardous”, as per a report by Geo News.

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) explains that formula milk, also referred to as baby or infant formula, is typically prepared by modifying cow’s milk to make it more suitable for consumption by young children. It is available in both liquid and dry forms, providing infants with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development. However, it falls short of offering the same health benefits as breastfeeding for both mothers and their children.

Senator Samina Waqar brought this critical issue to the attention of the upper house of the parliament during a discussion on the quality and safety of formula milk in Pakistan. She highlighted the involvement of health professionals in the marketing and promotion of formula milk, shedding light on its potential hazards.

Addressing the concern, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senators Barrister Ali Zafar and Mehr Taj Roghani echoed Senator Waqar’s apprehensions, with Roghani emphasizing that formula milk is deemed “unsafe.”

Senator Zafar emphasized the adverse impact on the physical development of girls over the years and stressed the lack of authority among medical practitioners to endorse such products.

Caretaker Minister Murtaza Solangi, in response, informed the senators that Pakistan produces a minimal quantity of formula milk, with the country spending $34 million on its imports. He noted the impracticality of imposing a ban on formula milk.

Meanwhile, Senator Zarqa Suharwardy expressed dissatisfaction with the prevalent practice of doctors recommending Cesarean sections, commonly known as “C-Sections,” stating that it negatively affects breastfeeding. She reaffirmed her commitment to introduce relevant legislation concerning breastfeeding laws in the country. The discussion highlighted the need for careful scrutiny and regulation of formula milk to ensure the health and well-being of infants in Pakistan.

Read more: Female Medical Student Shot Dead in Lahore.

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