GMOA proposes 10 recommendations to overcome sub-standard milk powder issue

The GMOA has proposed 10 recommendations to overcome the problem of adulterated milk powder that is reported to have been sold in the country.

Convening a media briefing today (Feb 07), the GMOA said that the inclusion of chemicals such as DCD and Melamaine in the production of milk powder had a negative impact on the health of the people.

Therefore, the GMOA said that it would propose certain suggestions that would assist the government in retaining foreign exchange while also benefitting the people's health.

The recommendations as put forward by the GMOA are as follows : 

1. Consume liquid milk instead of powdered milk
2. Strengthen the powers of the Director General of the Health Ministry by entrusting the Nutrition Division under him.
3. Establish a body to examine the nutritional value in foods.
4. Establish a health nutrition service across the country.
5. Establish a unit to analyse the harmful chemicals included in food.
6. Strengthen laws and policies concerning food campaigns.
7. Increase the number of food testing laboratories.
8. Analyse the link between the increase in non-communicable diseases and the consumption of food.
9. Set up an operational unit to provide breast milk for children instead of powdered milk.
10. Implement programmes on healthly food.

Further, the GMOA said that it is in total agreement with the revelation made by Deputy Minister Buddhika Pathirana in Parliament on sub-standarad and adulterated milk powder.

The GMOA added that it hopes to meet the Deputy Minister in due course.