The Punjab Food Authority in collaboration with Lahore College Women University (LCWU) arranged a seminar on "mother's milk vs formula milk and causes of breast cancer in Pakistan" at LCWU Auditorium here on Friday.
PFA Director General Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, LCWU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Uzma Qureshi, PFA Additional Director General (Technical) Dr Shahzeb Hasnain, Executive Director Strategic Management and Internal Policy Unity Dr Ahsan Waheed Rathore, Professor of Pathology Allama Iqbal Medical College Dr Fauzia Ashraf and Member P&D Dr Fatima addressed the participants.
Addressing the participants, PFA DG Mengal explained the importance of mother's feed for children and effects of formula milk on infant and mothers; he said there is no substitute for mother's milk. Chances of breast cancer in mothers feeding their babies are far less than those who do not. He said the PFA has completely imposed ban on marketing and free sampling of infant formula milk in hospitals after consultation with the Formula Milk Association. He added that 700 PFA teams under the supervision of FSOs and 2000 food technologists are working actively to secure the growth and nutrition of people in Punjab.
The DG further said that the PFA has formulated 16 laws and got them approved from the Punjab Assembly. He said the PFA is taking strict measures to ensure the quality food and nutrition for people, especially children. In this connection the PFA has banned all carbonated drinks in educational institutions ensuring its implementation across the province.
Mengal further said that we should use fresh and healthy food items like juices and fruits and must avoid unhealthy items like carbonated drinks and such other products. He said that around Rs 50 billion is being spent on such food products that are not healthy like drinks, frozen desserts and margarine.
The DG used the term white collar crime for companies selling products by disseminating misleading information and glossy language on their products and in advertisement campaigns. He said that it was observed that most of the food related promotion ads are being broadcast on children favorite channels. In this regard, the PFA has pulled up socks against them and passed the law. He said that all food organizations will be bound to get approval of their campaign and ads before starting any product promotion on broadcasting and any other ways. He said the PFA has restricted formula milk to approve formula milk ingredients and marketing from PFA scientific panel and labeling in Urdu language on all imported products.
Another speaker, Dr Ahsan Waheed Rathore said that decline have been witnessed in breastfeeding since last few years which is a serious issue for this nation for which we need to create awareness about breastfeeding issue in society. He said that 40 percent death chances of a new born baby can be averted if mothers feed their milk to baby within an hour of baby birth. He said in rare cases (diseases) mothers may use formula milk for their children but after consultation with doctors whereas such cases are only 40-50 in whole country in which doctors do not allow mothers to feed breast milk to infants. Breast milk is best nutrition for a new born baby. Rathore further said that breastfeeding is not only good for child but also good for mothers' health that helps fight several diseases like breast cancer. He urged that government should add health-related issues in educational curriculum.aking to the participants, the LWMC VC appreciated the efforts of PFA to take strict action against unhealthy food suppliers and manufacturing companies. She said the PFA is playing vital role in order to ensure the availability of quality food products at shops and restaurants along with creating awareness about nutrition in society. She has appealed students for creating awareness about breastfeeding and other food products among friends, family members, relatives, neighbor and colleagues.