For mothers, choosing the right formula milk can be overwhelming—especially with the recent concerns about fake infant formula in the market. While breastfeeding remains the gold standard, many families rely on formula milk due to work commitments, low milk supply, or breastfeeding challenges. However, when the Ministry of Health Malaysia revealed that fake infant formula did not meet the Malaysia Food Act 1983—specifically due to inadequate fat content—many parents began to question what “non-compliance” really means, and how to select a safe formula for their child.

What Does “Not in Compliance with Food Regulations” Really Mean?

Some parents now avoid cow’s milk altogether and instead choose plant-based milk, believing it to be healthier. But is plant milk suitable for infants—and does it even meet the nutritional regulations for babies? To answer this, we must first understand how infant feeding evolved through history.

A Journey Through Time: How Infant Formula Evolved

Human milk consumption dates back thousands of years. Breastmilk has always been recognized as the ideal food for infants—formula milk was developed only to provide an alternative when breastfeeding was not possible.

From Animal Milk to Makeshift Bottles

In ancient times, infants who could not breastfeed were fed directly from animal teats or using cow horns and porcelain vessels. Cows, sheep, leopards, tigers, and even bears were considered “wet nurses” depending on availability.

A 16th-century sculpture even shows a nursemaid milking an animal for the purpose of feeding infants.

Hippocrates’ Recommendations

Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, advised mothers to avoid breastfeeding older children during pregnancy. For newborns, he recommended honey and cow's milk; for 2-month-old babies, a mixture of red wine and milk. With today’s scientific knowledge, these early feeding practices sound shocking—but they were the best attempts at the time.

The Era of Nursemaids

In ancient China, nursemaids were chosen carefully based on age, health, and even the colour of their breastmilk. Once hired, they had to follow strict diet plans. However, relying on nursemaids was costly and inconsistent.

Bread Potage and the Rise of Infant Malnutrition

During the 15th century in Europe, infants were fed bread potage—a mixture of milk, wine, broth, vegetables, rice, and flour. Due to poor hygiene and lack of critical nutrients like vitamins A, C, and D, babies frequently suffered from scurvy, rickets, food poisoning, and tuberculosis.

Scientific Progress: Pasteurization and Early Formulas

In the 17th century, scholars noticed that infants fed human milk had higher survival rates than those fed animal milk. Still, cow’s milk remained difficult to digest for infants.

Pasteurization Changed Everything

Louis Pasteur’s discovery in the 1800s helped reduce contamination in milk. Although pasteurization lowered vitamin C and D levels, it was still a significant improvement in preventing infant deaths.

Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk

Condensed milk—milk with added sugar—was marketed as “baby food,” but the high sugar content made it nutritionally unsuitable. Evaporated milk, heated and sealed to prevent spoilage, quickly replaced it, and companies began claiming that these products were “superior to breastmilk.”

The Rise of Modern Formula Milk

As refrigeration emerged in the 19th century, liquid formula made from evaporated milk became widely used. Baby bottles and teats surged in popularity, and breastfeeding rates dropped to below 10%.

Soy-Based Formula

By the 20th century, plant-based formulas began emerging. Early soy formulas caused diarrhoea due to high fibre content. Today’s versions rely on soy protein isolates for better digestion—though concerns remain about excitotoxins and nutritional gaps.

When the Food Industry Went Too Far

By the 1960s, companies aggressively marketed formula using terms like “humanized milk”, implying it was better than breastmilk. To increase sales, ingredients like flour, flavourings, and sugar were added. The World Health Organization eventually intervened, banning direct advertising of infant formula—a policy also adopted by the Malaysian Ministry of Health.

Final Thoughts: How Should Mothers Choose Formula Today?

While breastfeeding remains the best option, many families need formula support—and that is completely valid. The key is to choose formulas that comply with Malaysia’s Food Regulations, as these products must meet strict standards for protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and safety.

Plant-based milks such as almond milk, rice milk, oat milk, or homemade nut milk are NOT suitable for infants and do not meet regulatory nutrient requirements.

When selecting formula:

Choose brands registered under the Ministry of Health
Ensure it meets Malaysian Food Act standards
Avoid unregulated online or suspiciously cheap products
Consult a paediatrician for allergy or lactose concerns

Above all, mothers should never feel pressured or judged—what matters most is providing safe, adequate nutrition and making informed choices for your child’s wellbeing.