Breastfeeding remains the best choice for babies as breast milk provides optimal, unique and perfectly balanced nutrition for them, the Department of Health says.

The remark was made in the light of a recent study on the level of dioxin in Hong Kong's general population during which breast milk samples were collected to estimate the concentration of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds.

The study found dioxin levels in the local population were in the lower to middle range among the 26 participating countries.

The department said breast milk is often cited as a source of test dioxins simply because fat-soluble contaminants are relatively easily measured in it, not because it is any more contaminated than other body parts.

Testing dioxin levels in breast milk effectively reflects the body burden of mothers, which can be used to estimate the past exposure of dioxins in the general population.

Other studies have shown that adverse effects from dioxins on infants were associated with exposure via the placenta rather than via breast milk.

The World Health Organisation examined the implications of dioxins in breast milk in 1998 and recommended that breastfeeding should continue to be promoted based on the convincing evidence of its enormous benefits to the overall health and development of infants.

Dioxins are found practically everywhere, including air, soil, water and food. It is estimated that 90% of human exposure to dioxins is from food. People can reduce dioxin intake by eating a balanced diet with adequate amount of fruits, vegetables and cereals, and choosing low fat meat.

Therefore, dioxin contamination should not unduly influence a mother's decision to breastfeed.