Qn for those familiar with the WHO code

[Heba]

Our local breastfeeding support group has been asked to participate in a new "mums' club" organised by a well-known baby food manufacturer and run by a local supermarket/cafe (where the bf group happen to hold some of our meetings).

This particular manufacturer makes complementary baby food (jars/packets) for use "from weaning age," and artificial follow-on baby milk powder (6 mos+).

Soo...is this a contravention of article 5.5 of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk substitutes, which states that [m]arketing personnel, in their business capacity, shoudl not seek direct or indirect contact of any kind with pregnant women or with mothers of infants and young children? My confusion is that the manufacturing company does not market breastmilk substitutes aimed at babies under 6-months old, so I am unsure whether their products fall under the scope of the code. If they do, then it's obviously a no-no.

We would love to be able to provide support and information to mums, but absolutely will not do it if it involves an infringement of the Code.

Thanks!

Heba

[PatioGardener]

I think direct marketing to mothers of any artificial baby milk is an issue. I'm not so sure about the complementary foods, but the baby milk (even 6 months +) would be IMO.

Perhaps INFACT would have some guidance for you? http://www.infactcanada.ca/about.htm

[briome]

It sounds lke a conflict of intrest....check this out--familar? MMM


http://www.phdinparenting.com/2010/0...sses-the-line/

[annekh23]

I think it's technically within the code, there is a theory that follow on milk only exists to allow companies to continue to market formula within the code. I suspect the company isn't only working with one supermarket/cafe, but many, so it might be worth trying to make contact with other groups that are having to make the same decision.

I think it very much depends exactly what the group is for, how it's run etc. something could be code compliant, but very negative, so you'd want to avoid anyway. They are going to be doing it because they think they can make money, there is way more money to be made on formula and bottles and other supplies than there is on food! So I'd be cautious even if it's code compliant.

[Heba]

Thank you so much, ladies. I've read up a bit more, and this company does indeed produce stage 1 infant formula (how oh how did I miss this first time around?) so there's no question that the club is in contravention of the code. We're definitely not getting involved.

[proudmomof4]

Good for you for reading up on it and getting information.