FDA warns against Dairy Goat PHL’s promotion of goat’s milk as substitute for breastmilk

FDA warns against Dairy Goat PHL’s promotion of goat’s milk as substitute for breastmilk (Photo by Thamizhpparithi Maari (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0)

“This is in direct violation of Executive Order No. 51 or the National Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, Breastmilk Supplement and Other Related Products and as further strengthened by Administrative Order No. 2006-0012 or the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) of Executive Order No. 51,” the FDA said in an advisory dated January 10.

It also warned that claims on the use of goat’s milk as an alternative or substitute for breastmilk “undermines the importance and relevance of breastfeeding as the source of adequate and safe nutrition for infants”.

According to the FDA, Dairy Goat Philippines, on its Facebook page, claimed that goat’s milk has more bio-active components needed for infant development.

The group also noted that goat’s milk has “a unique protein profile, which makes it easy to digest”, thus leading to better bowel movement, and its protein quality is right, making it “ideal for babies who are prone to allergies”.

In the advisory, the FDA said that according to the Department of Health’s Circular 2008-0006, breastmilk remains to be the best food for babies up to two years and above, that there is no substitute for breastmilk, and that infant formula milk supplements must only be given upon the advice of a health professionals.