He said that by seeking cheap or free milk online, parents risked feeding their babies a product “potentially laden with bacteria”.
The MP also said hospital admissions for under-ones with gastrointestinal problems are almost treble the national average in Blackpool
“Dehydration – a common complication of gastroenteritis – is a particularly serious risk, and it is exacerbated by parents’ inability to access or properly prepare formula,” he said.
As a volunteer for Blackpool food bank for more than seven years, he said he had witnessed first-hand how urgent progress is needed.
In a call to arms, he added: “I invite ministers to consider the voices of parents in Blackpool, who are at the sharp end of this price crisis.”
The CMA’s recommendations include the government issuing NHS-branded baby milk and removing branding from baby milk in hospitals.
Stephen Kinnnock, Minister for Care, thanked Mr Webb for raising the issue.
He said: “I want to assure him that we are committed to addressing the concerns raised by the CMA so that the infant formula market delivers the better outcomes that parents deserve.”
Source:
www.bbc.com
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