[Human milk substitutes in Mexican social security services during 1990]

An analysis of the amount, type, trade mark, cost and distribution procedures of milk formulas in the IMSS (Mexican Social Security Institute) and ISSSTE (Social Security Institute for Government Employees) during 1990 is presented. During this year, IMSS purchased 19 million cans of powdered milk (454 g each) with a total expenditure of 20 million U.S. dollars. Mothers have the right to receive 36 cans during the first six months of their baby's life. The type of milk formula distributed included whole milk (53.3%), modified milk (43.2%), and soy derived milk (3.5%). As the number of births during the same period was 706,077, the average of cans per child was 27.1. ISSSTE purchased 3.7 million cans of milk with an expenditure of 6 million U.S. dollars; 42.4 per cent as whole milk, 55 per cent modified milk, and 2.6 per cent soy derived milk. Although this institution should provide 27 cans per child, the average was 46.5. The early age at which powdered milk is introduced to babies and the high cost (in economic and health terms) of this practice indicate the need to review newborn feeding policies within the two major social security agencies in the country.