NNC reminds public: Milk donations banned

CEBU, Philippines — The National Nutrition Council (NNC) has reminded the public that donations of milk products and breastmilk substitutes are prohibited, particularly during disasters and emergency situations, in accordance with existing government policies aimed at protecting infant and young child nutrition.

In an advisory, the NNC emphasized that Executive Order No. 51, also known as the Milk Code, and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations, prohibit the donation of breastmilk substitutes, including infant formula, powdered milk and other milk products, feeding bottles, teats, and commercial baby food.

These items, according to NNC, should not be included in emergency food packs distributed during calamities.

NNC explained that artificial feeding during emergencies poses health risks to infants due to the limited availability of clean water, fuel for boiling and sterilization, and feeding utensils, among other necessities.

The Department of Health’s Administrative Order (AO) No. 2006-0014, or the “National Policies on Infant and Young Children,” states that breastfeeding remains the first and best feeding option for infants and young children, especially during crises.

It also underscores the importance of keeping mothers and babies together and providing them with adequate support to ensure proper feeding under difficult circumstances.

Meanwhile, DOH AO No. 2007-0017, titled “Guidelines on the Acceptance and Processing of Foreign and Local Donations during Emergency and Disaster Situations,” specifically provides that infant formula, breastmilk substitutes, feeding bottles, artificial nipples, and teats should not be accepted as donations.

The NNC stressed that no acceptance of donation shall be issued for any of the prohibited items and reiterated the need to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding, particularly during disasters and emergencies.

According to DOH, the recommended feeding options for infants and young children in difficult situations are, in order of priority, breastfeeding, expressed breastmilk fed by cup, breastfeeding from a healthy wet nurse, and human milk from a milk bank administered by cup.

“Only when these options are unavailable should infant formula be used, and only under the supervision of health and nutrition workers,” the NNC further stated.

The council said the formula should be unlabeled and prepared properly to ensure the safety and health of infants.