I just visited the web site of a company selling organic baby formula. This
was talked about on Lactnet a few days ago. It is advertised as toddler
formula but the age for its introduction is as soon as a baby starts solid
foods, which unfortunately is often as young as 3 or 4 months. It carefully
states that it is not meant as the sole nutrition, but as a supplement to
breast milk or for a picky eater! The possibility for misuse is staggering!

Any time we see something like this that we question, we have the option in
the US of reporting this to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) through
its MedWatch program which I intend to do. Anyone can do this through the
FDA's web site. Any medical device that has caused consumer problems can also
be reported at this site, such as breast pumps.

One of the best ways to market products to women is to state that they are
natural or organic. This was found through careful market research on what
prompts women to purchase things. The other incentive to buy a particular
product is if the company appears to be "green." The company selling this
formula makes a contribution to a children's fund from its profits.

Scary business

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA

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