The government is planning to allow the distribution of liquid baby formula, hoping the measure will encourage more men to join in child-rearing as it is easier to use than conventional baby formula which needs to be dissolved in hot water.
Liquid baby formula is widely used abroad for its convenience. In Japan, however, a health ministry ordinance based on the food sanitation law permits only conventional baby formula on the grounds that it can be preserved at room temperature for a long period of time.
Production of liquid baby formula is not prohibited here, but it cannot be distributed here or imported.
Taking note of the merits of liquid baby formula, for example that it can be used even during disasters and water shortages, the government will launch a panel on the matter with the aim of drawing up a policy by March, officials said Sunday.
Thanks to improved sterilization technology, paper packages of liquid baby formula or bottled baby formula can be preserved from six months to a year at room temperature.
When powerful earthquakes hit Kumamoto Prefecture in April, liquid baby formula from Finland was distributed as emergency aid.