> Jennifer Molavi wrote:       I want to air the question
>that has been rolling around in my head ever since I spoke to a formula
>company rep.  His question, which I think has legitimacy in the for-profit
>business world, was "How can we compete with other formula companies and let
>people know that our product is better for babies than theirs?"  I think it
>is a question that we need to consider in our efforts to promote
>breastfeeding.  They are, after all, out to make a buck.  So what is the
>long term answer?  That they stop selling formula altogether? That only one
>company make formula? Which one?  That all formula be given by prescription
>only so that only the physician is advertised to and makes the decision? Of
>course we want all women to breastfeed but there will always be women who
>chose to formula feed.  So what is the ultimate goal?

The WHO Code is very specific on this point.  It says that advertising and
marketing of infant formula should be directed at health professionals and
not to the lay public.  It also states that information provided to health
workers should be scientific and factual.  The International Baby Food
Action Network produces an excellent booklet called Protecting Infant Health
which contains the WHO Code, background information on why the various
clauses were included and detail on the sections which pertain to health
workers.

Warmest wishes,
Jean Geary
Fundraiser, INFACT Canada [log in to unmask]  http://www.io.org/~infacto