Nestlé remains obstinate despite widespread criticisms
Nestlé’s public relations documents boldly claim
that, “Nestlé does not break the WHO Code, so why
do people say we do?” Well here’s why:
In Sri Lanka Nestlé is attempting to weaken
the Sri Lankan Code for the Promotion and Protection of Breast
Feeding and Marketing of Infant Formulae and Related Products
by lobbying the government:
- to limit the scope of infant feeding products restricted
by the Sri Lankan act
- to eliminate the requirements of labelling in three official
languages
- to reduce the restrictions on industry “information”
distribution
- to permit the provision of “support” to the health
professionals and medical researchers.
- to permit the industry to participate in the government Code
monitoring system.
In Russia Nestlé is promoting bottled water
for bottle feeding. The International Code covers “beverages
... when marketed ... as a partial or total replacement for breastmilk.”
In Armenia Nestlé Cerelac is advertised directly
to the public on buses and trams. Nestlé infant formulas
NAN and Alsoy are advertised on the vehicles of its distributors
as well as on television.
In Pakistan Nestlé is putting pressure on the
Ministry of Health claiming that the proposed draft Code is impractical,
not workable and is using the Pakistan Pediatric Association
to oppose the proposed legislation to protect breastfeeding.
In Thailand Nestlé continues to use free supplies
to a large hospital in Bangkok claiming that 30% of mothers are
“unable” to breastfeed. The UNICEF Nutrition project
officer for Thailand, writes in a letter dated, 15 December 1997:
“UNICEF’s position is that all free supplies to hospitals
and health facilities must be stopped to protect breastfeeding.”
Moreover when infant formula is readily available in hospital,
health workers and mothers are less inclined to overcome breastfeeding
problems, turning instead to bottle feeding.
Here in Canada Nestlé continues its aggressive
direct marketing to pregnant women and new parents.
Age targeted mailings offer free formula, coupons and the
prevalent “educational” brochures with excessive and
unsubstantiated claims. At a recent parent show in Ontario, the
Nestlé “nutritionists” handed out free formula,
coupons, and misleading information to mothers.
On the world stage Nestlé denies its accountability
in complying with World Health Assembly resolutions that are
passed dealing with the International Code and infant and young
child nutrition, claiming that these do not add to the International
Code.
And what does UNICEF think of Nestlé’s persistent
war on breastfeeding? After a high level meeting with Nestlé,
in a letter dated November 1997, Carol Bellamy, Executive Director,
writes the following:
“UNICEF remains convinced that the International Code
applies to all countries. The following paragraph from the preamble
to the Code makes it clear that no country is free from the adverse
effects on child health and nutrition of infant feeding.”
Recognizing further that the inappropriate feeding practices
lead to infant malnutrition, morbidity and mortality in all countries,
and that improper practices in the marketing of breast-milk substitutes
and related products can contribute to these major public health
problems.
Bellamy continues,
“It continues to be clear that the divergent views are
simply, not reconcilable in specific and critical areas. Therefore,
much as we appreciate the opportunity to have had the meeting,
it does not seem to us to be useful to maintain such contact
in the future.”
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