NESTLÉ'S INITIATIVE ON '6 MONTH LABELLING': DO OUR PROMISES STAND UP?
November 2003
Following the conclusion of the "Expert Consultation on the optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding", mandated by the World Health Organisation (WHA) to provide relevant scientific expertise, the World Health Assembly in May 2001 changed the recommended duration from "four to six months" months to "...six months with the introduction of complementary food and continued breastfeeding thereafter" (Resolution 54.2).
The Expert Consultation stated that "In developing-country settings, the most important potential advantage of exclusive breastfeeding for six months over exclusive breast-feeding for four to six months followed by partial breastfeeding for six months, relates to infectious disease morbidity and mortality, especially those due to gastrointestinal infection (diarrhoeal disease)".
However, the Expert Consultation also stated that exclusive breastfeeding for six months can lead to iron deficiency in susceptible infants and that the available data are insufficient to exclude several other potential risks including growth faltering and other micronutrient deficiencies. Thus the need for more research was highlighted as "... there are several unanswered questions that are important for policy-making with regard to the optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding and maximising its benefits".
Although the WHO Code as well as WHA Resolutions are recommendations to governments to implement, taking the local circumstances into account, Nestlé immediately took the decision to voluntarily implement the "6 month" recommendation in all developing countries following the Expert Consultation (link to Action report no 6). This meant embarking on the time-consuming process of changing labels on infant formula and complementary foods, e.g. infant cereals and jarred baby food, in about 150 countries. The process also included a consultation with WHO on the basic principles for the change of labels.
Do our promises on 6 months' stand up?
When informing about the label changes in Nestlé's WHO Code Action Report, edition 7, issued in late April 2003 (follow the link above to download this report), we also made clear that due to some lead time in the distribution chain, in rare cases there might be some delay some where before products with new labels appear on the shelves, or old products are not to be found anymore. What is important is that we investigate allegations of Code non-compliance whenever we can obtain adequate information, and take action where necessary.
Sinlac in Bulgaria
The IBFAN group in Bulgaria recently reported that Nestlé Bulgaria is positioning Sinlac as from 4 months. Sinlac is an Infant Cereal Speciality for Cow's milk protein and Soy protein allergic babies. The product was launched in Bulgaria in early 2002 and counts for less than 1% of the infant food range.
The initial label indicated that the product is for babies over 4 months of age.
As Sinlac is a complementary food, and as Nestlé consider Bulgaria a developing country, the product should be recommended from 6 months following our guidelines.
The product was advertised in the mothers' magazine "My Baby" (a "publication specialising in baby care") last time in June. Complementary foods can be advertised, but as the product at the time was positioned from 4 months it should not have been advertised.
Actions taken
Since end of June no infant cereals in Bulgaria are positioned from 4 months.
Labels
Until the packages are reprinted, "From 6 months", stickers have been put on all products previously positioned from 4 months.
Advertising
The Sinlac advertisement is withdrawn and has not been continued after June.
Staff
Nestlé's local management in Bulgaria have taken all necessary steps to prevent similar things happening in the future.
We believe this case shows how we take immediate action and deal with accusations when necessary.
To download the complete International (WHO) Code Action Report, Edition 7, follow the link above.
For previous Action Reports (1-6), go to www.babymilk.nestle.com.
