Health minister orders DRAP to test baby formula

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has directed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan to collect samples of infant formula and other breast milk substitutes and test their ingredients and whether they are safe for consumption.

The order was given at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. Members raised concerns there about how formula milk is advertised and about enforcement of the Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Act 2002, which restricts the promotion and advertising of breast milk substitutes.

Senators Anusha Rahman and Shahzaib Durrani asked for stricter enforcement of the law, arguing that companies should not market infant formula as ordinary milk.

DRAP chief executive Dr Obaidullah told the committee that the authority regulates infant formula under its rules for alternative medicines and food products.

No timeline was given for the testing or for the results to be placed before the committee.

Committee chairman Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti said a disclaimer reading "Mother's Milk is the Best for a Child" had appeared in advertisements on 29 television channels, ProPakistani reported. He said a company had obtained a stay order from the Islamabad High Court against the relevant notice.

PEMRA Chairperson Amberin Jan confirmed the legal challenge, according to the same report, and said the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority had contacted the Pakistan Broadcasters Association to ensure the disclaimer appears on other channels as well.

Mustafa Kamal told the committee the government recognised the difficulty faced by mothers who cannot breastfeed. He said an advertisement was being prepared to promote breastfeeding.

He directed DRAP to test the formula products and urged the authorities concerned to enforce the existing law.

The News International also reported the directive.