Goats' milk infant formula no longer available in UK
Mauro Fermariello/Science Photo Library
Goats' milk formula is not suitable for babies allergic to
cows’ milk |
Infant milk formulas based on goats' milk proteins will not be available in the UK from 17 September, the Department of Health has announced.
The withdrawal follows an evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority,
which concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support the use
of goats’ milk in infant and follow-on formula. The review was
carried out following a request to have goats’ milk protein added
to the list of allowed protein sources for infant and follow-on formula.
The list currently includes cows’ milk protein, hydrolysed protein
and soya protein.
Some parents mistakenly believe that formula based on goats’ milk
is a suitable alternative for babies who are allergic to cows’ milk.
However, there is no evidence to support this and most babies who react
to cows’ milk protein are likely to react to goats’ milk
protein, says the DoH. Goats’ milk formula is also unsuitable for
babies with lactose intolerance since it contains similar levels of lactose
as cows’ milk formula. The belief that babies are less likely to
suffer allergic reactions when given goats’ milk formula is also
unfounded.
Health professionals should advise parents that babies with a proven
cows’ milk protein intolerance may be prescribed an extensively
hydrolysed infant formula. |
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