World Milk Day: Nestle engages media on the goodness of milk at all stages of life

To commemorate World Milk Day and re-emphasize the “Goodness of Milk at all Stages of Life”, Nestlé Ghana organized a Nutrition Workshop for media under the theme “Good Food, Health and Nutrition - Realizing the Goodness of Milk at all Stages of life ”.

All over the world, milk is regarded as a key dairy product contributing to economic and nutritional benefits of individuals and families. According to the International Dairy Federation, Milk is a good source of calcium, protein, and essential nutrients such as phosphorus contributing to over one billion livelihoods on dairy farms economically.

The Food and Agriculture Organization, as cited by the International Dairy Federation, predicted that the human population will increase from approximately 7 billion in 2011 to 9.5 billion in 2050 and that the growth in population size and affluence will increase the demand for dairy products by at least 50%.

Over the course of life, inadequate intake of nutrients, such as calcium, leads to weakening the bones, thus increasing the risk of fractures later in life, particularly in women. Regular consumption of dairy products, including milk, can help prevent diseases such as osteoporosis.

Speaking at the media workshop on the importance of milk in everyday nutrition, Dr. Niilante Amissah, Lecturer at the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana encouraged media to promote milk consumption at all stages of life.

“Milk includes high quality protein and all the essential amino acids needed for growth. We should promote milk consumption at all stages of life. Individuals should however, consume milk that is appropriate for them because as one grows older, it is important to have less saturated fat thus the need to take milk with less fat or skim milk.” Dr. Amissah commended Nestlé for playing an active role in nutrition education.

According to Mrs. Freda Duplan, Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana, Nestlé has a responsibility to engage stakeholders and share nutrition knowledge to help them make better food choices for their growth and wellbeing.

“As a Nutrition Health and Wellness Company, sharing nutrition knowledge is of paramount importance to us. It is in fulfilment of our Purpose of ‘Enhancing Quality of Life and Contributing to a Healthier Future’. As we commemorate World Milk Day, I reaffirm Nestlé’s commitment to micronutrient fortification and our ambition to help 50 million children lead healthier lives by 2030”.

As part of implementing the Global Fortification Agenda, Nestlé Ghana ensures that its Quality, Safe, Tastier and Healthier choices are fortified with the right micronutrients. Products such as Nido® is fortified with Vitamin C and Iron, Maggi® with Iodine and Iron, and Cerelac® with Iron to help address deficiencies.

Mrs. Duplan urged the media to realize the value of milk not just for the development of children but also for the wellbeing of individuals at all stages of life.

As part of the Workshop, there was a Milk Recipe Cooking Competition to encourage people to lead healthier lives by cooking easy healthy meals with milk. Nine reporters formed a team of three each and cooked to compete for special prizes from Nestlé. Lilipearl Baaba Otoo of Business and Financial Times, Michael Abayateye of the Ghanaian Times, and Christabel Addo of the Ghana News Agency emerged the overall Best Team of the competition.