Issuing a statement, Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka, Maliban Milk Products and Diamond Milk Products point out that they are deeply concerned about claims by the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA), that imported milk powder from New Zealand is harmful for consumption and reiterated the need to separate fact from fiction to prevent causing unnecessary panic and fear among the public.
The importers stressed that there is an unsubstantiated claim that is being spread that milk powder causes diseases including cancer, which has no scientific basis or justification. They also highlighted that there is no acceptable scientific evidence to date from any world health authority that links milk powder as a cause of cancer. This includes the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF, who the importers state, have been incorrectly referenced to support these allegations.
The importers clarified that the GMOA allegations can be traced to a communication by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA, 2012) which is also freely available on the WABA website. This communication advises that exclusive breast-feeding provides enhanced protection against risks of diseases, as opposed to substitutes.
The importers confirmed that none of their companies sell breastfeeding substitutes in Sri Lanka and pointed out that the WABA communication does not in any way discuss full cream milk powder, which is not a breast-feeding substitute.