The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Offering support for authentic sample tests, three UN agencies advised removing all melamine-contaminated milk products from Bangladesh market as soon as the tests can confirm the levels of the toxic chemical in powdered milk and infant formulas.

The agencies-FAO, WHO and UNICEF-said they are ready to support Bangladesh government for further testing of powdered milk samples by internationally certified laboratories, amid fears about contamination of the food item with melamine.

The offices of the agencies in Bangladesh also expressed their concern regarding the implication of melamine-contaminated milk products on infant and child nutrition and health.

In a joint statement yesterday, the three UN agencies on food, health and children's affairs said they support the government efforts in addressing the issue of melamine-tainted powdered milk and advise the authorities "to remove all melamine-contaminated milk products from the market as soon as tests can confirm the levels of melamine powdered milk and infant formula".

They, in the meantime, suggested that "immediate action should be taken to ensure supply of safe dairy products".

The UN agencies further support the efforts of the government to communicate with the public on this food-safety issue and in particular to advise citizens on how they can avoid food safety risks associated with this contamination problem.

They urged the government to ensure food safety and quality, especially for powdered milk, by enforcing the national mandatory food law (s) and regulations in order to address evolving episodes of food contamination, such as melamine in powdered milk.

"Suitable references need to be made to the Codex and other international standards, in this regard. FAO and WHO will continue to provide technical expertise and advice to strengthen the national regulatory framework and build the capacity of the concerned national bodies to ensure consumer protection," says the joint release.

However, food safety is not the sole responsibility of public authorities. The food industry, producers and importers are also responsible for ensuring a safe supply of food to the consumers, they noted.

The UN agencies advised all parents in Bangladesh that breastfeeding is the best, safest and most natural way of providing infants with the nutrients they need, and recommended exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life.

No other liquid or food, not even water, is needed during this period. Thereafter, infants should receive complementary foods while breastfeeding continues up to two years.

However, when breast milk is not a viable option, infants up to 6 months would need to be fed an infant formula which is designed as a sole source of nutrition for these infants.

Replacing infant formula with other products such as condensed milk, regular milk powder, or fresh liquid milk is inappropriate as these products would put at risk the safety and nutritional status of this vulnerable group, they warned.

The trio UN agencies stressed the importance of giving this information to all mothers during antenatal and postnatal care. They also called for the full enforcement of the existing Code of Marketing of Breast Milk substitutes, approved in Bangladesh in 1984 and amended in 1990.