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Statement on False Infant Formula Problems
in China
The International Association of Infant Food Manufacturers (IFM) abhors the
tragic sale of fake milk powder, which recently resulted in deaths and severe
malnutrition among infants in China. IFM welcomes the Chinese government’s
investigation into this situation and advocates closer monitoring and stricter
controls to prevent future incidents. Similar to the growing concern expressed
by the World Health Organization in relation to counterfeit medicines (where
one study showed that 93% of counterfeit medicines did not have appropriate
active ingredients, sometimes even containing toxic substances instead), unscrupulous
persons responsible for the manufacture, distribution and sale of illicit nutritional
goods must not be allowed to prey on this vulnerable population.
For good reason, infant food manufacturers are held to the highest quality
and safety standards. Infant formulas must meet regulations and standards set
by national and international food and health agencies, such as the European
Union and the US Food and Drug Administration and the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius
Commission. The composition of infant formulas is based on scientific criteria,
which assure -- by definition -- that the products meet the specific nutritional
needs of infants. The World Health Organization recognizes breast milk substitutes
formulated according to these guidelines as safe alternatives for infants who
are not breastfed.
IFM works to promote these high standards throughout the world by offering
policy guidance and technical and scientific expertise to industry associations
working at national and regional levels. IFM has been working the last few years
to establish an association of infant food manufacturers in China to ensure
ethical practices and scientific standards prevail.
IFM looks forward to collaborating with the Chinese government and other government
health officials in efforts to help avoid such tragedies in the future.
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