June 14, 2004

By: Norma Park
Website: http://www.1st-in-babies.com

Baby Food Companies - FTSE4Good Shifts The Goal Posts

The FTSE Group, the global stock market index provider, has announced that it is lifting its exclusion of baby food companies violating the World Health Assembly marketing requirements for baby milks.

Seven companies had been excluded for malpractice including, Nestlé, Danone and Heinz. Following a ‘public consultation’ FTSE says it will instead use ‘measurable inclusion criteria.’

The new FTSE4Good criteria for baby food companies basically appears to involve weighing how many documents the companies produce saying how ethical they are and reviewing audits paid for by the companies.

I am aware of many health worker, consumer protection and other organisations who called for FTSE to strengthen its exclusion criteria. I have asked FTSE to provide information on who has called for a change to reviewing company policies and systems instead of focusing on outputs - the aggressive marketing practices - but they cannot tell me. FTSE has assured me that none of the companies currently meets the inclusion criteria.

I imagine, this is because company policies are so out of step with World Health Assembly requirements. The ethical investment industry is a valuable ally in the campaign and we will provide evidence of malpractice if permitted to do so.

Based on our over 20 years experience we know that trusting company statements alone would be a retrograde step.

Also see; Gift Ideas For Babies.

About The Author:

Norma Park is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-babies.com.  Taking care of your babies needs including safety, toys, health and baby products.