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Statement of the International Association of Infant Food Manufacturers (IFM) - an affiliate of ISDI (International Special Dietary Foods Industries) to the 49th World Health Assembly

The infant food industry plays a vital role in research and development, manufacturing and marketing of infant foods for use when a substitute or supplement for breast milk is needed. It also plays an important economic role by providing a stable outlet for agricultural produce, employment opportunities, and training. Our industry has always recognised the superiority of breast milk over any other food, for the first 4 to 6 months of life, equally it recognises that all infants need safe and nutritious foods in addition to breast milk after this period, and that family choices and economic considerations often do not allow prolonged breast-feeding.

In order for Industry to have an optimum impact as a partner in health, mutual trust and confidence must exist between industry, health authorities, health professions, and, above all, consumers. We are well aware, as you are, that our industry has very vocal detractors. They have succeeded in keeping alive a controversy that should have, and could have, been settled many years ago. The Director General pointed the way to the resolution of differences in his report to the 47th Assembly 2 years ago. IFM confirms that:

• we do agree that complementary foods should not interfere with breastfeeding during the first 4 to 6 months of life
• we do recognise that financial or technical support for professionals working in the field of infant and young child should not conflict with the protection and promotion of breastfeeding
• we strongly believe that monitoring compliance with the International Code must be based on clear definitions, communicated to and understood by all parties, and carried out in a transparent and independent manner under government responsibility with the cooperation of all concerned.

IFM has repeatedly expressed its support for the International Code, not only in words but also in actions, but real progress will only be made if our industry is accepted as a partner by the international health community and by governments everywhere. The time has come to go beyond the Code and to look at the potential for reinforcing cooperation - in research, in training and education, and above all in seeking together how to improve infant and young child nutrition through practical, replicable projects, using industry's expertise and know-how, in cooperation with all concerned.

(96/6559)

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