Code of Practice to protect breastfeeding launched tomorrow

Code of Practice to protect breastfeeding launched tomorrow

An updated Code of Practice for the marketing of infant formula in New Zealand will be launched at Parliament tomorrow by Associate Minister of Health Jo Goodhew on behalf of the Infant Nutrition Council (INC).

The voluntary Code applies to the marketing of infant formula products suitable for infants up to the age of six months and applies to all companies marketing infant formula in New Zealand that are represented by INC. It is based on the World Health Organization's International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.

INC Chief Executive Officer Jan Carey said the Code aimed to contribute to the provision of safe and adequate nutrition for infants by protecting and promoting breast-feeding, and by ensuring the proper use of infant formula, when it was necessary, on the basis of adequate information and through appropriate marketing.

“This Code applies to the marketing in New Zealand of infant formula as suitable to provide the sole source of nourishment for an infant or replace part of a breastfeed.”

There has been a Code of Practice in place for a number of years but this has now been updated to reflect current thinking around information and education, and advertising and marketing standards.

“The infant formula manufacturers and marketers who are members of INC are committed to the Code because they are committed to providing the best nutrition for infants, and overwhelming evidence has demonstrated that breast milk is best,” Ms Carey said.

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