Tin of 'Coast' instant full cream milk powder, by Holland Canned Milk, Veghel, Dutch, 1979

Advertising and selling baby milk formula to developing countries has been controversial for some time. Bottle fed babies are more likely to have diarrhoea, which causes dehydration. This can be fatal if vital fluids and salts in the body are not replaced. This container was made in the Netherlands and intended for the overseas market and instructions on use are shown in English, French and Arabic.

“Drink Coast for Pure Health” is the message on the tin. The powdered milk makes 3.1 litres of full fat milk, which can be drunk by the whole family. ‘Coast’ was made by Holland Canned Milk and is shown here with other milk powder products.