As a director of the National Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy (NABA), I
have been asked by Elisabeth Sterken of INFACT Canada to post the following
announcement:
Date: Friday, May 10, 1996
Subject: IBFAN has no ties with ACTION

The International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) has no association with
ACTION for Corporate Accountability which is based in Washington, DC.

Recently, ACTION circulated a proposal for a project which in part involves
monitoring baby food industry marketing practices and which seeks the
participation of and funding by the very same industry. This relationship is
unacceptable to IBFAN as it violates IBFAN's long standing principle of not
accepting funds or sponsorships from the baby food industry. IBFAN values its
ability to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding uncompromised by
conflicting interests.

ACTION New Haven and its predecessor ACTION Minneapolis and INFACT
Minneapolis were IBFAN affiliates. ACTION's abrupt closure and dismissal of
staff in October 1995 was unexpected, unexplained and unnecessary. IBFAN
therefore distanced itself from ACTION as it resurfaced in Washington, DC.
With ACTION's present funding proposal and statements displaying a total
disregard for basic IBFAN principles, IBFAN has no choice but to dissociate
itself completely from ACTION Washington, DC.

ACTION's proposal also questions the current relevancy and success of the
International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes. Since the
adoption of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes at
the World Health Assembly of 1981, IBFAN has taken a leadership role in
working with governments, breastfeeding groups, and professional associations
around the world to implement and monitor the Code. In addition, some
provisions of the Code have become law in 29 countries and voluntary measures
adopted in 33 countries. Another 29 countries have draft regulations or
recommendations for legislation.

IBFAN's global network with which ACTION is now no longer affiliated, is
committed to full implementation of the Code in all countries, as it works
through training, monitoring, lobbying, advocacy, and education to fulfill
its mandate to protect the health of mothers and children.

Please contact INFACT Canada, the IBFAN North America Regional Co-ordinating
Office for questions or comments.
416 595-9819
Fax 416 591-9355
e-mail: [log in to unmask]