The infant formula controversy: Consensus, compromise, and conflict
Post, J.-E.B.er, E.
Cajanus 4(4): 210-225
1981
Document Number: 287439
The utility and impact of the 1981 resolution adopted by the WHO/UNICEF at the 34th World Health Assembly, formalizing the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, are discussed. The formalizing of this Code represents an unprecedented step by UN agencies to resolve a major public health concern by attempting to control marketing practices of private corporations. Effective Code implementation by national governments will depend on the degree of success of satisfying political and economic factors at the national and local levels. To counter industry strategy for permissive code adoptions, indigenous watchdog activity by consumer organizations is urged, without which few countries will be likely to have effective regulatory mechanisms in the next 1-2 decades. The real utility of the Code may lie in calling to the attention of government officials and health workers the underlying issues. This Code shapes the dynamics of the conflict on breastmilk substitutes, but does not eliminate the conflict itself. The appropriate role of the commercial food industry in influencing decisions about infant and young child feeding is still at issue. (wz)