Bahrain has approved a new law regulating the use, promotion and marketing of breast milk substitutes, a report said.

The draft, presented by the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs, details the standards and specifications of the substitutes, instructions the packaging should contain, as well as the procedures of managing, registering and promoting products, said the report in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Minister of State for Information Affairs and official government spokeswoman Sameera Rajab said the law aims to encourage natural breastfeeding among new mothers.

"The draft law is also in line with the latest scientific and health developments, and implements the recommendations of international and regional health organisations that encourage breastfeeding," she said during a Press conference yesterday held at Gudaibiya Palace.

The Cabinet also approved a draft law on mental healthcare, which aims to regulate the field and fill the legislative vacuum in the field of psychiatry.

"It identifies the methods of dealing with the mentally ill by the police and those involved in investigation, indictment and trial, and to facilitate dealing with cases related to mental healthcare," said Rajab.

Both laws have been referred to the National Assembly for review. – TradeArabia News Service