DRAP makes 'mother's milk is best' warning mandatory on formula packs
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan has ordered formula milk makers and importers to print a breastfeeding message on their packaging. The message must appear in Urdu and English.
For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor about your own health.
- DRAP requires the message on all formula milk packs and labels, in Urdu and English.
- The rule covers local and imported products, including formula for children aged one to three years.
- It follows directions from the Senate Standing Committee on Health.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has made it mandatory for formula milk manufacturers and importers to print a message promoting breastfeeding on their products. According to TechJuice and Daily Pakistan, DRAP has issued formal instructions to the companies concerned.
The advisory says that mother's milk is best for babies. It must appear in both Urdu and English on product cartons, containers, labels and other packaging materials. According to DRAP's official communication, the statement must be placed on the information panel of each relevant product.
TechJuice reported that manufacturers must also include information on the benefits and importance of breastfeeding on the informational panels. The directive also covers formula products for children aged one to three years, and applies to both locally made and imported products. DRAP has told all manufacturers and importers to comply immediately.
The requirements aim to raise awareness about the health and nutritional benefits of mother's milk. Both outlets say the move follows directions from the Senate Standing Committee on Health, which had called for a statement on the benefits of mother's milk on formula packaging.
Pakistan Pediatric Association Secretary-General Dr Khalid Shafi said "no formula can replace mother's milk". He attributed the high infant mortality rate in Pakistan to a lack of proper nutrition and care, according to TechJuice.
Dr Shafi said newborns often miss necessary vaccinations, which leaves them vulnerable to diseases such as diarrhoea and pneumonia. He advised that newborns should receive mother's milk within the first hour of birth, and exclusively for the first six months.
Daily Pakistan cited a study based on the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey. It found that around 26.3% of Pakistani children under five had consumed formula milk. The same survey found 48% of children under two were bottle-fed, although this included liquids other than formula milk.
Why it matters
Parents who buy formula milk in Pakistan will see the new warning on packs, in Urdu and English. The survey cited by Daily Pakistan found that around 26.3% of children under five had consumed formula milk, so many households are likely to see the message. Manufacturers and importers must change their labels to comply.
