Muslimat NU warns condensed milk is not a substitute for toddler milk
Cilacap (ANTARA) - The Central Leadership of Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has reminded the public that condensed milk is not a substitute for milk or breast milk (ASI) for toddlers, as its use must be adjusted to the intended purpose and the nutritional needs of the child.
Dr Erna Yulia Sofihar, Head of Health at PP Muslimat NU, stated that this nutritional education was conducted through a talk show titled “Correcting Public Perceptions about Condensed Milk,” held in collaboration with the Abhipraya Insan Cendekia Indonesia Foundation (YAICI) at the Muslimat NU Building in Cilacap Regency, Central Java, on Thursday.
“There is still a misconception that condensed milk is considered milk, and some even use it as a substitute for breast milk. This is the perception we want to correct through public education,” she said after speaking at the talk show.
According to her, the high sugar content in condensed milk means the product should not be treated as a substitute for milk or breast milk to meet a child’s nutritional needs.
She added that providing excessive sweet foods or drinks to toddlers can make children feel full more quickly, thereby reducing the consumption of other nutritious foods.
“Education does not only target areas with high stunting rates, but also regions where stunting management achievements are relatively good, including Cilacap, to assess the level of public understanding regarding condensed milk,” she said.
Erna noted that the Muslimat NU network, spanning from branch to sub-branch, regional, and sub-regional levels, can assist in disseminating educational materials to the community, particularly to mothers with toddlers.
“The milk percentage is small, so if consumed inappropriately for the age and used as a staple drink, it is certainly not good,” she said.
She mentioned that the Department of Health, Population, Family Planning, and Reproductive Health (Dinkes PPKB) had previously provided education regarding milk consumption appropriate for a child’s age, but specific discussions regarding condensed milk had not been conducted in as much detail as in this talk show.
Satria Yudhistira, Secretary General of YAICI, stated that this activity is a continuation of the education conducted alongside PP Muslimat NU since 2017, as issues regarding condensed milk and child nutrition still require attention.
He expressed hope that education could be continued by the media, Muslimat NU cadres, and health stakeholders down to the level of Posyandu (integrated health posts).
“At the very least, Posyandu can include educational material stating that condensed milk is not milk, so this understanding can be passed on to the community,” he said.
His organisation, along with PP Muslimat NU and several non-governmental organisations, has also been encouraging the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) to improve the labelling of condensed milk products since 2018.
According to him, regulations have undergone changes with the removal of the word “milk” from the labels of condensed milk products.