Nestlé, the world's largest baby food manufacturer, remains in non-compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. As a boycott target, Nestlé is not only the largest baby food manufacturer, but also sets the marketing trends for the industry. Nestlé's disrespect for the International Code and subsequent, relevant resolutions of the World Health Assembly knowingly puts babies at risk. It is well aware that any separation between baby and breast poses serious health threats for infants and young children. The boycott stands strong in over 20 countries and will continue until Nestlé complies fully with the tenets of the International Code and takes seriously its corporate responsibility towards the world's children.

The Nestlé boycott is forcing change, although reluctantly.

• A leaflet that was handed out on a public bus in Gaborone, Botswana in 2003, suggests that Nestlé abides by the WHO Code and claims the company is "the most trusted name in nutrition for 130 years". The leaflet itself is promoting Nan infant formula and is therefore a violation.

• A Pelargon (a Nestlé product) promotional leaflet claims that by using Pelargon "diarrhoea and its side-effects are counteracted." Scientific evidence does not support this claim and even a member of Nestlé's own Nutrition Institute has disputed it. Where water is unsafe, an artificially-fed infant is up to 25 times more likely to die as a result of diarrhoea than a breastfed child. To suggest formula counteracts diarrhoea is irresponsible and puts lives at risk.

• In Argentina, Nestlé is promoting its "Nutrition System", NIDO, by contacting doctors. Letters sent to health practitioners invite them to enter a draw for a trip to Seattle to attend a pediatric meeting. In addition, the letters also ask how many children of certain ages the doctors have as patients. The back of the letter reads: "NOW THINK OF YOUR OWN GROWTH. NIDO ALSO IS WORRIED ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL PROGRESS," which could easily be construed as a promise of compensation should the contacted health workers cooperate with Nestlé.

• Nestlé has also opened the Nestlé Nutrition Institute in Africa (NNIA) supposedly to educate the population about safe feeding. This is in direct contradiction to a WHA resolution calling for independent and unbiased  information to be given to HIV positive mothers who need to decide whether or not to breastfeed their babies. Nestlé is taking advantage of the HIV pandemic and the increased risk of breastfeeding for seropositive mothers to reestablish formula feeding in Africa.

"We were pleased to note from the headlines of your International Code Action Report that Nestlé is taking the initiative on 6-month labelling. It was therefore with some disappointment to see that Nestlé Hong Kong is still promoting complementary food from 4 months onwards... the Department of Health of the Hong Kong Government has followed the WHO recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life."

    Don't add to Nestlé's fortune while they add to infant suffering. Say no to formula pushers! Boycott these products until Nestlé changes its marketing practices. Be sure to check all labels on products you buy, as Nestlé owns many brands you may be familiar with. For a more complete list, check the INFACT Canada website (link to Nestlé Boycott Page), and please contact us to receive free Nestlé Boycott stickers.