Wyeth Buzz

Its been all over the news, almost a week now. The Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) ordered Wyeth Philippines to pull-out certain number (about 2 million cans) of baby formula milks from the market; the formula milks manufactured from May 23 to July 26 2006. The products affected here were Bona, Promil Kid, Promil and Progress Gold. It was said that these formula milks were "contaminated" (this was the adjective used to describe the situation via TV) due to rust and molds found in their cans that may have been caused by the typhoon Milenyo during its stay in Wyeth's warehouse. As according to Wyeth, tests were conducted and it was proven and showed that the milk powder inside the affected can were not compromised and the integrity of the milk powder were maintained in its highest quality.

In addition to the news about these plague set upon Wyeth, a more intense drive to have the IRR passed at the senate.The recall order came the same day the Supreme Court is hearing an argument whether to allow health officials to imposed certain rules and regulations against advertisers as the claimed it to be aggressive that has many women to believe that infant formula milk is better than mother's milk. With the recent development, the campaign of various health and civic group organizations as regards to breastfeeding intensified. Various protests were done and an on going argument were being made left and right.

As a concerned citizen, it is very alarming; Since most of the babies raised now are accompanied by infant formula milks. However, it is good to know that Wyeth Philippines had taken the necessary steps to address the problem and to assure the public that the milk powder they are producing are safe and made of highest quality. Another thing, for the media people to cast news about something of the same manner, may it be cautious enough to use the words properly as according to its manner and form. Biased and untruthful news are not the core competence of the industry.

As a woman, it is better to keep in mind that breastmilk is still thebest for babies upon birth up to two years and beyond so long as the mother carries milk and is willing to give it to her offspring. It is nothing but normal for the health and civic group organizations to gear up its campaign but let us bear in mind that not all mothers who gave birth to a child is able and willing to give out its milk. Special cases come across the birth-feeding stage that having an infant formula milk is the next best thing. And let us be reminded that eventhough there have been constant reminders about the benefits of breastfeeding, at the end of the day, it is the woman's option to breastfed or not.