The baby formula market is a “broken system” that requires urgent government intervention, according to a leading charity.

Feed UK welcomed the Report from the Competition and Markets Authority This calls for a change in the formula industry aimed at easing financial pressures on parents who struggle to afford it.

Clare Murphy, co-director of the charity Feed, said: “The rising costs of infant formula in recent years have hit those who can least afford it hardest.

“We know that some mothers make sacrifices to buy premium brands because they believe these are best for their babies, and the guilt of not breastfeeding can play a key role in these decisions to breastfeed. purchase,” she said. “This must end.”

Ultimately, she said, these proposals alone are not enough to fix what is a broken system.

“Despite this widespread need, infant formula remains stigmatized; health professionals face restrictions when it comes to discussing them, and many women feel like a failure when using them.

“We call on the government to act.”

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Following a Sky News investigation which revealed that high infant formula prices were pushing British families into crisis while trying to meet the demands of feeding their babies, the The CMA has launched a review of the formula market.

Since then, the industry has started to lower prices and new budget-friendly infant formula brands have been launched.

Amid allegations that manufacturers are profiteering, one of the industry’s biggest players, Danone, which owns Aptamil as well as Cow & Gate, slashed the selling price of some preparations to retailers by 7% early in the year.

Iceland boss Richard Walker told Sky News the high costs of infant formula amounted to “abusive prices”. The supermarket chain has slashed the price of the SMA Little Steps brand, made by Nestlé, to £7.49 per pot – other retailers have also reduced their prices.

Last week, Cumbria-based Kendamil launched its own brand of “low-cost” baby milk called Bonya, which costs £8.45.

For every 10 packs sold, one will be donated to In Kind Direct, a UK charity supporting families who struggle to afford the essentials.

Lidl has also introduced an own brand of baby formula selling at £7.09 per 800g, making it the cheapest on the market alongside Aldi’s Mamia milk.

These measures have saved families money, but the major problem remains because, according to the CMA, prices of 800g infant formula increased by 18-36% across all brands between December 2021 and December 2023.

A spokesperson for First Steps Nutrition, an infant feeding charity, said: “Infant formula remains an expensive yet essential food for many.

“Government action is needed to bring prices down more significantly across the board and over the long term, and to ensure accessibility for low-income families who need it, while protecting and supporting breastfeeding maternal.

“Aldi and Lidl are both an example of the savings that can be made through the availability of own-brand infant formula in a supermarket.”

Despite some progress, baby formula remains a staple that Chester-based charity Kidsbank frequently delivers to families struggling to feed their babies.

Dee Denton, who heads the association, urged politicians to consider the CMA’s findings and take meaningful action.

She said the situation continues to have a devastating effect on the families they work with and Kidsbank volunteers.

Speaking to Sky News, she said it was “heartbreaking in all honesty”.

“I don’t think there’s any other word to describe it. The price of formula is incredibly high, so it becomes an unattainable cost.

“I urge them (politicians) to put themselves in the shoes of a family who is struggling not only to make ends meet, but also to feed their child.

“All we want is for our children to be happy and healthy and that’s something they can help support.

“There are so many opportunities to change that.”