RESPONSE TO BABY MILK ACTION PRESS RELEASE (3rd February 2006) AND MARKETING WEEK ARTICLE (8th February 2006) RE. HYPOALLERGENIC INFANT FORMULA RESEARCH
February 2006
It is important to put into context the recent claim over “research fraud” made on the Baby Milk Action website on 3rd February 2006, and in the Marketing Week article, 8th February 2006 about Nestlé’s baby milk.
Dr. Ranjit Chandra's 1989 study was an early work in the area of hypoallergenic infant formula. This study is not pivotal for Nestlé's claims, since Nestlé does not base its scientific evidence on the findings of any one study. Since then, a further 15 studies have been published on the subject by independent scientists in prestigious peer-review journals. These all fully support Nestlé's hypoallergenic claims. Nestlé are happy to provide the detailed references if needed, and attach a graph showing the results of a meta-analysis summarising the results of these studies.
Additionally, several international paediatric expert committees such as the EC Scientific Committee for Food 1991(2), ESPGHAN 1993, ESPACI/ESPGHAN 1999(3) and AAP/CON 2000(4) have endorsed the concept of prevention of Atopic diseases by hypoallergenic formulas.
While the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has brought to light evidence that scientific fraud may have been committed by Dr. Ranjit Chandra,
Nestlé will not comment on the accusations as these have not been verified.
You can download a copy of this response at the top right-hand side of this page.
References:
(1). Baumgartner M, et al. Controlled trials investigating the use of one partially hydrolysed whey formula for dietary prevention of atopic manifestations until 60 months of age: an overview using meta-analytical techniques. Nutr Res 1998; 18:1425-42.
(2). European Commission Directive 91/321 EEC on infant formula and follow on formulae.
(3). Host A, et al. Dietary products used in infants for treatment and prevention of food allergy. Joint statement of the ESPACI Committee on hypoallergenic formulas and the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. Arch Dis Child 1999; 81:804.
(4). American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Nutrition. Hypoallergenic infant formulas. Pediatrics 2000; 106:346-9.
