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Statement on Infant and Young Child Nutrition: Biennial Progress Report (resolution WHA58.32)

The International Special Dietary Foods Industries (ISDI), speaking on behalf of the Infant Food Manufacturers, thanks the Chair for this opportunity to address the distinguished members of the World Health Assembly.

Our infant formula and complementary foods serve a vital primary health care need by safely feeding and fostering the growth and development of millions of children worldwide. Industry-sponsored research has contributed much of the current knowledge about the nutritional needs of infants and young children as well as the qualities and benefits of breast feeding.

We commend the WHO on its ongoing efforts to reduce child malnutrition and mortality and welcome the Biennial Progress Report on Infant and Young Child Nutrition by the Secretariat.

IFM is committed to the aim and principles of the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes. We support national measures to give them effect. We support the code’s clear distinction between breast milk substitutes and complementary food that serves to protect mothers’ right to information about these foods, which are critical during the weaning period.

IFM would like to highlight the significant achievements within Codex and welcomes the new Standards on Infant Formula and Formula for Special Medical Purposes and Processed Cereal Based Food for infants and young children. We anticipate the completion of the Code of Hygienic Practice for Powdered Formula for Infants and Young Children by the Commission in July 08 and look forward to working with leading entities in its application.

IFM members have a long-standing commitment to produce nutritionally balanced foods and promote optimal feeding practices. We strongly support the Millennium Development Goals aimed at reducing infant and young child mortality and malnutrition. As we all work towards achieving these goals, we welcome multi-sector cooperation in these endeavours.

Thank you, Chair.

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