CAIRO, Sept 19 (Aswat Masriya) - Egypt’s armed forces received the first batch of imported baby formula from France, the army spokesperson said in a statement on his official Facebook page on Monday.

The army announced earlier in September that it will start selling baby formula at a decreased price than that offered in the market, few days after dozens of mothers protested in front of the Egyptian Pharmaceutical Trading Company and blocked traffic over severe shortages in subsidised baby formula and increase in its price.

“In coordination with the ministry of health, the baby formula will be available for purchase on the local market at the price of EGP 30,” the statement read.

This marks a 50 per cent decrease of the current market price, which stands at EGP 60.

Several news reports have previously mentioned that Egypt will import a total of 30 million baby formula cans, but the exact amount of the first batch of cans hasn't been revealed yet. 

“The batch will be inspected to confirm its compliance with quality and safety standards before it’s distributed at pharmacies and accredited outlets,” the statement added.

The army’s decision to intervene in the baby formula crisis was faced by a wave of criticism as some critics perceived it as a step towards expanding the army’s role in the economy.

The armed forces however said that they were attempting to combat unlawful trading of the formula and to make sure that it reaches the people who need it.