‘Desperate’ parents taking baby formula risks – Blackpool South MP

He said that by seeking cheap or free milk online, parents risked feeding their babies a product “potentially laden with bacteria”.

The MP also said hospital admissions for under-ones with gastrointestinal problems are almost treble the national average in Blackpool

“Dehydration – a common complication of gastroenteritis – is a particularly serious risk, and it is exacerbated by parents’ inability to access or properly prepare formula,” he said.

As a volunteer for Blackpool food bank for more than seven years, he said he had witnessed first-hand how urgent progress is needed.

In a call to arms, he added: “I invite ministers to consider the voices of parents in Blackpool, who are at the sharp end of this price crisis.”

The CMA’s recommendations include the government issuing NHS-branded baby milk and removing branding from baby milk in hospitals.

Stephen Kinnnock, Minister for Care, thanked Mr Webb for raising the issue.

He said: “I want to assure him that we are committed to addressing the concerns raised by the CMA so that the infant formula market delivers the better outcomes that parents deserve.”