Ruth Palo - NEA Aguila Onse President/Daily Mirror - Writer

DAVAO CITY — The National Nutrition Council (NNC) 11 has renewed its reminder to the public that a “no-milk” donation policy is being imposed amid the community quarantine due to the COVID-19 crisis.

NNC 11 program head Maria Teresa Ungson told the Mirror that in compliance with Executive Order (EO) 51 or The Philippine Milk Code and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations, donations of breast milk substitutes are not allowed and should not be part of general distribution of emergency food packs on any disaster and calamity such as COVID-19.

These breast milk substitutes include infant formula, powdered milk, and other milk. Also not allowed are feeding bottles, teats, and commercial baby food.

Ungson’s reminder came after a group of OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) based in Davao City, which she did not identify, donated relief items that included formula milk to families affected by the community quarantine.

The donation was posted by the group on social media.

EO 51 imposes strict regulation on the marketing of formula milk or other breastfeeding alternatives as these could pose harmful effects to the health of babies.

Ungson said breastfeeding is even more important at this time to keep babies safe.

“There is no other milk that is best for babies than breast milk since it has all the antibodies the baby needs,” she said.

Ungson said she understands the group’s advocacy of helping the families but added it should have done so in the right perspective.

“It defeats the purpose of the government to really push for the best milk which is exclusively breastfeeding,” she added.

Ungson said instead of giving instant or formula milk, individuals and organizations should place vegetables, fruits, rice, and other basic necessities in the food packs they give to the needy families.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said breast milk “provides all the energy and nutrients that an infant needs for the first six months of life” and should be given, along with complementary foods, for up to two years and beyond.