蜜芽传媒

The World Health Organization and the UN children's agency, UNICEF, have accused producers of formula baby milk of unethical marketing practices.聽 In a report out today, the two organisations say the aggressive promotion of formula is in breach of international commitments to protect breastfeeding.聽 That code of practice was drawn up 40 years ago but only a small number of countries have incorporated it into national legislation.聽 And in that time, sales of formula have more than doubled and are now worth $55 billion every year.聽

Dr Nigel Rollins, from the World Health Organization, and author of the report, outlines the practice that they have found, from claims made about the milk that was not backed up by science, health professionals being targeted for marketing purposes, and company representatives engaging with mothers via baby clubs and help lines, which is contrary to the international code. He says that the science is clear on the benefits of breastfeeding, both for the health of the babies and the health of mothers.

"Breastfeeding is unquestionably the best option for nutrition and impacts on human biology."

(Newshour asked the world's biggest formula maker Nestle for a statement responding to this report. It said: "Nestl茅 supports the adoption of laws on the marketing of infant formula in all countries.聽 We have been assessed as highly compliant with the WHO Code by the Access to Nutrition Index and have topped the Index since 2016.)

Photo: A mum with her newborn baby Credit: Getty Images

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