June 15, 2004

By: Joyce Bruchet
Website: http://www.1st-in-babies.com

New Report On Breastfeeding – Breastmilk Substitutes Violate Marketing Regulations

While the Government and health campaigners attempt to raise awareness of the benefits to infants and mothers of breastfeeding, a new report reveals that companies in the UK are routinely violating marketing regulations for breastmilk substitutes and encouraging mothers and health workers to favour artificial feeding over breastfeeding.

Baby Milk Action is to launch a report on violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent, relevant Resolutions of the World Health Assembly, and the weaker UK law on baby milk marketing, at the House of Commons on Thursday 13th May.

Members of the International Baby Food Action Network from around the world will also be presenting evidence gathered through monitoring of baby food companies in 69 countries.

The meeting is being hosted by Lynne Jones MP who is tabling an Early Day Motion calling for the UK Government to support action to end baby food marketing malpractice in the UK and in other countries.

Mike Brady, Campaigns and Networking Coordinator at Cambridge-based Baby Milk Action, which is coordinating on-going monitoring in the UK, said:

We are perhaps best known for promoting the boycott of Nestlé, the worst of the baby food companies at a global level, but we also work to improve legislation in the UK. Baby Milk Action and members of the public have reported many cases of illegal promotion of baby milks to Trading Standards officers in recent months.

Prompt action is taken, but the UK Law is so narrow companies can get away with suggesting their milks increase a baby’s intelligence or nothing is simpler or safer than bottle-feeding.

There are short and long-term health consequences to artificial feeding. It costs the NHS millions per year treating sickness associated with artificial feeding. In developing countries, where there is less access to health care, a child dies every 30 seconds because it was not breastfed. Mothers in the UK have as much right to information on infant feeding free from commercial pressure as mothers in other countries.

A UK Department of Health survey released for Breastfeeding Awareness Week shows that 34% of women incorrectly believe that modern infant formula milks are very similar or the same as breast milk. This is the message baby food companies present in their promotional campaigns. A preview copy of the summary UK monitoring report can be emailed to journalists on request.

About The Author:

Joyce Bruchet 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.