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(Excerpt from the British Medical Journal article by Alan Lucas)
Alan Lucas, MRC clinical research professor. MRC Childhood Nutrition Research Centre, Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH
Companies have in the past received intense criticism over the marketing of infant formula in developing countries, where reduction in breastfeeding has been associated with morbidity and shorter intervals between births. Despite official intervention, international codes of practice, national legislation, and a code drawn up by the manufacturers of infant formula, political debate continues. An investigation last year of infringements of the World Health Organisation's code in five countries although criticised for flawed science has further fanned the flames.
Sponsorship remains an emotive issue. Some contend that it is wholly improper for clinical research, scientific meetings, or professional organisations to be financially assisted by formula companies. Conversely, the editor of an international pediatric journal, supporting sponsorship, stated: "It is quite extraordinary how in such a serious debate over the years, these aggressive attacks [on the infant formula industry] have been led by groups with scanty scientific-epidemiological evidence, together with a most unwelcome emotional component. As director of a politically "neutral" government-funded (MRC) Childhood Nutrition Centre, I shall attempt to steer among these polarised views.
For entire article, see the British Medical Journal article by Alan Lucas.
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