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As one of the participants in the creation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, the International Association of Infant Food Manufacturers (IFM) recognizes its 25th Anniversary as an important milestone. While the International Code is a recommendation to governments to be implemented according to their social and legislative frameworks, it also clarifies appropriate practices for those engaged in the manufacturing, commercialization and/or distribution of breast milk substitutes. Over the past quarter century, infant food manufacturers have done much to fulfill their commitment to the International Code’s aim: “To contribute to the provision of safe and adequate nutrition for infants, by the protection and promotion of breast-feeding, and by ensuring the proper use of breast-milk substitutes, when these are necessary, on the basis of adequate information and through appropriate marketing and distribution”.
There has been considerable improvement in infant and young child nutrition and feeding practices since the International Code was implemented. Global breastfeeding rates have risen by at least 15%, which is very encouraging. Manufacturers now state that “breast is best” on all infant formula packaging and teach healthcare professionals about the benefits and advantages of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. As part of their larger responsibilities, manufacturers widely distribute the International Code and have instituted strong measures to improve their own marketing practices.
The infant food industry also makes a major contribution by serving as a vital area of primary care. About 70 million infants and young children worldwide are provided with foods that are scientifically proven to be nutritionally sound, safe and tasty. For non-breastfed infants, it produces industrially processed infant formulas, follow-on formulas, and special formulas for medical purposes that have helped to replace inappropriate or dangerous breast-milk substitutes (e.g., sugar water, cornstarch water, whole cow’s milk and rice water). Manufacturers also make nutritionally balanced complementary foods, such as cereals, baby food in jars, fruit and vegetable juices and purees.
To ensure their safety, all infant foods are manufactured under strict hygienic and quality management procedures and according to national legislation or Codex standards. The industry additionally supports efforts by governments and communities to increase public awareness of recommended infant feeding practices, including, when necessary, the appropriate preparation, handling and storage of breast-milk substitutes.
Company-based scientific research and collaborative clinical trials have steadily increased the knowledge about the nutritional requirements of infants and young children. For example the thousands of articles published in the scientific literature by infant food manufacturers have made another significant contribution to the field of infant and young child nutrition.
Despite this progress, inappropriate feeding practices are still a major contributing factor to the deadly plague of under-nourishment. About 60% of the 10.9 million deaths annually among children under five can be attributed, directly or indirectly, to malnutrition. IFM welcomes the opportunity to work with others to ensure optimal nutrition of the world’s tiniest citizens.
Updated May 2006
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