In view of the current furore about the threat to the US advertising
campaign, I thought you might be interested in reading an industry press
release opposing the proposed South African legislation of the Code of
Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes. Naturally bf advocates are largely
happy with the regulations, might even prefer them to be
stronger..... Perhaps we can share ideas on countering this. I think I
might steal from several of the wonderful letters already sent to Mr
Thompson!
I would like to put on record that an industry spokeswoman (for famous baby
food in a jar....) told me last year that they would need regulations passed
in South Africa before they would comply with the Code regarding ages on
their product labels. This is the self-regulated industry we are supposed
to feel so sorry for.
Jacquie Nutt
Wellington, South Africa.
Infant Feeding Association.
PRESS RELEASE, 20 November 2003
New regulations hit marketers and media
New regulations have been proposed regarding the marketing, promotion and
sale of items relating to infant feeding - such as bottles, teats, dummies,
formula and baby foods. Government is attempting to encourage breastfeeding
by limiting access to information about bottle feeding, and clamping down
on
promotion of related products. In the past, formula companies have been
self-regulated, as signatories to a voluntary code.
>
The proposed regulations are far-reaching, and cover labelling, packaging,
in-store promotions, advertising, sponsorship and other promotional
activities. They even propose to curtail what the media writes about the
subject. The implications are extensive. Firstly, certain of the medical
recommendations set to be included in packaging are in dispute.
Furthermore,
it is argued that the legislation infringes on the consumer's right to
information, as well as the freedom of the media.
There is concern that if implemented in their current form, they could
result in more expensive products due to the repackaging requirements (some
estimates are that prices may increase by as much as 45%), the
disappearance
of certain brands (if overseas principles are unwilling or unable to create
packaging specifically for the South African market) and the loss of jobs.
Nurses and midwives, who are sometimes sponsored by these companies to go
on
congresses, will also lose out.
Stakeholders were not consulted in the drafting of this proposed
legislation. However, affected parties have formed the Infant Feeding
Association. IFA spokesperson Wendy Pratt says, "Through the IFA, we hope
to
work with the Department of Health to formulate regulations that will
achieve the aim of encouraging better infant nutrition, without being
unnecessarily onerous on marketers, media owners and retailers."
IFA and other interested parties, including medical associations, have
requested an extension of the deadline for submission of representations on
this matter (currently, that deadline is 26 December 2003).
Anyone affected by the legislation, who would like to add their voice to
those requesting an extension should send a registered letter as soon as
possible to:
The Director-General of Health
Department of Health
Private Bag X828
Pretoria
0001
Attention: The Director: Nutrition
Anyone who would like to add to the submission, can forward their comments
to the IFA, at the email address below.
For more information:
· Government Gazette No. 25473 (FOODSTUFFS, COSMETICS AND DISINFECTANTS
ACT,
1972 (ACT NO. 54 OF 1972)
· The full text is available on www.babyassist.co.za
· Wendy Pratt, spokesperson for IFA, can be reached at [log in to unmask]
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