Labelling that informs

rofessor Roger Short, physiologist at Monash University, Australia has stated that infant formula containers should carry warning labels similar to those on cigarette packages.

What information should a label have?

We devised a label for artificial baby milk containers that will more accurately spell out the risks to expectant and new parents.

Label Front:

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

Breastmilk is the only safe and nutritious way to feed infants. Infants should be exclusively breastfeed for the first four to six months and continue to be breastfed for up to two years or beyond while receiving appropriate and adequate complementary foods.

Feeding an infant artificial baby milk for the first four to six months of life should only be done under exceptional circumstances when breastmilk is unavailable. Artificially fed infants need to be adequately monitored by a health care worker.

Label Back:

IMPORTANT WARNING!

Feeding your infant artificial baby milk for the first four to six months of life can be dangerous to her health and development.

Infants who are artificially fed are at greater risk for:

• diarrheal disease
• respiratory infections
• sudden infant death syndrome
• necrotising enterocolitis
• allergies
• childhood cancer
• juvenile diabetes
• neurological and behavioural problems

Mothers who do not breastfeed may be at greater risk for:

• breast cancer
• ovarian cancer
• osteoporosis
• decreased child spacing

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