The failure of manufactures of breast milk substitutes to follow product labelling regulations are endangering Uganda children, according to a new report.
The World Health Organisation regulations on labeling of milk Substitutes products indicate that the formula must clearly state the superiority of breastfeeding, the need of health care workers to prescribe it and warning about the health hazards associated with the use of the products.
Products should also not have pictures of infants, pictures or words that idealise the use of formula instead of breast milk. In addition to this, the products must state that formula might contain pathogenic micro-organisms and must be prepared and used appropriately. They also should not promote breast milk substitutes and bottle feeding.
However, according to a 2020 status report on the Implementation, Monitoring and Enforcement on Marketing of infant and Young Child Foods in Uganda, many manufacturers are not adhering to the labeling rules. The report shows that only six per cent of all milk substitutes sold on the market follow the labeling guidelines.
It further adds that 50 per cent of the labels on infants formula and specialised milk suggest the use of a feeding bottle or cup with spout while 31 per cent did not include the age for which the product was targeting. In addition to this, 42 per cent of the labels had a picture drawing or a cartoon of a baby, an infant, a young child or a young animal or teddy bear.
The Executive Director of the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), Barbara Nalubanga says that Uganda is performing well when it comes to other monitoring areas but labeling remains one of the biggest challenges.
Nalubanga says that the labeling on so many products convince mothers that these products are good for their young children yet it is not the case. She says, as a result, young children are being started on milk substitutes when they are below six months because parents make their decisions based on the labeling of the products.
“Labelling is letting us down. Many products are passed by UNBS minus following the regulations. People go there with their products and they are allowed to be on the market. A mother sees a young child on a product who looks to be around the same age as her child and uses the same product. These products have no ages,” Nalubanga adds.
Samalie Namukose, the Assistant Commissioner in charge of Nutrition at the Ministry of Health says many babies are now prone to infections because they are not being fed the right type of food.
“Breast milk has antibodies that have the ability to protect children against some diseases or infections. But mothers do not know this. The moment they see some of these products with children, they think it is safe for their children a d give it to them. But it is not good for infants. Babies need breast milk,” Namukose said.
IBFAN wants the government to come up with mechanisms and regulations to ensure that local manufactures of importers of these products follow the guidelines. Namukose says the health ministry is working towards formulating new laws to ensure that all regulations are followed.
“The current Food and Drug regulations of 1997 were not strong. They did set in place enforcement mechanisms to ensure that the regulations are adhered to. We want to change this and put in place tough punishments such as imprisonment for persons found not following the law,” she said.
-URN
