Punjab Food Authority in collaboration with Lahore College Women University (LCWU) has arranged a seminar on “Mother’s Milk vs Formula Milk, causes of Breast Cancer in Pakistan” at LCWU Auditorium on Friday. In the ceremony, 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, Prof of Pathology Allama Iqbal Medical College Dr Fauzia Ashraf and Member P&D Dr Fatima have addressed with the participants. A large number of students, nutrition experts and faculty member of LCWU including Prof Sara have participated.
While addressing to the participants, PFA DG Noor ul Amin Mengal explained the importance of mother’s feed for children and effects of Formula Milk on infant and mothers and that there is no substitution of Mother’s milk. Chances of breast cancer in mothers feeding their babies are far lesser than those who do not. He said PFA has completely imposed ban on marketing and free sampling of infant formula milk in hospitals after consultation with Formula Milk Association. He further 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. DG further said that PFA has formulated 16 laws and got them approved from Punjab Assembly and credits goes to Punjab Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif and PFA team members who supported us at every platform. He said that PFA is taking strict measures to ensure the quality food and nutrition for people especially children. In this connection PFA has banned all carbonated drinks in educational institutions and ensuring its implementation across the province. Mengal added that we should use fresh and healthy food items like juices and fruits and must avoid unhealthy items like carbonated drinks and other such 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.
DG termed 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 broadcasting on children favorite channels. In this regard, 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 that PFA has restricted formula milk to get approval of formula milk ingredients and marketing from PFA Scientific Panel and labeling in Urdu language on the all imported products.
Another speaker, Dr Ahsan Waheed Rathore said that decline have been witnessed in breastfeeding since last few years which is serious issue for which we have needed to create awareness about breastfeeding issue in society. He said that 40 percent death chances of new born baby can reduce if mother feed her milk to baby within an hour of baby birth. He said that there is no substitute of Mother’s milk. He said that in rare cases (diseases) mothers may use formula milk for their children but after consultation with doctor whereas such cases figure is 40-50 in whole country in which doctor did not allow to feed breast milk to infant. Breast milk is best nutrition for new born baby. Rathore further said that breastfeeding is not only good for child but also good for mothers’ health that helps to fight with several diseases like breast cancer. He urged that government should add health related issues in educational curriculum.
Speaking with the participants LWMC VC has appreciated the efforts of PFA, especially DG Noor ul Amin Mengal in connection to take strict action against unhealthy food suppliers and manufacturing companies. She said that 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 colleague.