Substandard baby foods on Ugandan market
Sep 30, 2010
THE Government is to publish a list of substandard and dangerous infant foods on the Ugandan market.
By Darious Magara
THE Government is to publish a list of substandard and dangerous infant foods on the Ugandan market.
Some of the foods displayed as substitutes for breast milk, are dangerous to babies, according to nutritionists at the Ministry of Health.
The foods have reportedly been rejected by Kenya.
Addressing a sensitisation workshop on Tuesday, a senior nutritionist, Samalie Namusoke, said most of the dangerous formula is manufactured abroad.
“These packed foods either lack the nutritional value expected in them or carry misleading labels.â€
Namusoke said some of the foods carry labels that indicate that they are nutritious and a substitute to breast milk.
“We believe that breast milk is the only good food for the baby and any factor which interferes with its promotion, protection and support is a threat to the baby,†she added.
Namusoke added that 38% of children in Uganda are stunted, 16% underweight and 6% wasting due to poor breastfeeding practices.
The experts urged fathers to support breastfeeding mothers in order to ensure that they are in good health to encourage production of breast milk.
Breast milk is nutritious, especially for the first six months of a baby. It increases immunity and is safe and clean. Breastfeeding also prevents mothers from getting pregnant soon after the birth of their babies. It also reduces their risk of contracting ovarian cancer.
THE Government is to publish a list of substandard and dangerous infant foods on the Ugandan market.
Some of the foods displayed as substitutes for breast milk, are dangerous to babies, according to nutritionists at the Ministry of Health.
The foods have reportedly been rejected by Kenya.
Addressing a sensitisation workshop on Tuesday, a senior nutritionist, Samalie Namusoke, said most of the dangerous formula is manufactured abroad.
“These packed foods either lack the nutritional value expected in them or carry misleading labels.â€
Namusoke said some of the foods carry labels that indicate that they are nutritious and a substitute to breast milk.
“We believe that breast milk is the only good food for the baby and any factor which interferes with its promotion, protection and support is a threat to the baby,†she added.
Namusoke added that 38% of children in Uganda are stunted, 16% underweight and 6% wasting due to poor breastfeeding practices.
The experts urged fathers to support breastfeeding mothers in order to ensure that they are in good health to encourage production of breast milk.
Breast milk is nutritious, especially for the first six months of a baby. It increases immunity and is safe and clean. Breastfeeding also prevents mothers from getting pregnant soon after the birth of their babies. It also reduces their risk of contracting ovarian cancer.