Dear Colleagues,

I have been following the discussion about exhibits at ILCA conferences. The
ILCA Board would welcome your additional comments and can respond in a timely
manner if we receive your comments directly, rather than indirectly via
LACTNET. Please email to [log in to unmask]

The Board has spent many hours discussing the issue of conference exhibits
and the Code, as well as listening to members. Many have expressed a wish for
an opportunity to evaluate products that their clients may be using. It may
be helpful to look at what the Code says regarding exhibits at professional
meetings.

Article 2 covers marketing and practices related to breastmilk substitutes
(formula, milk products, foods and bottle-fed complementary food); feeding
bottles, and nipples (teats).

Article 7 covers relationships between health care workers (such as IBCLCs)
and manufacturers of products listed in Article 2. The Code clearly indicates
that samples of products can be provided to health care workers "for the
purpose of professional evaluation or research at the institutional level"
(Article 7.4). The Code does not prohibit manufacturers of breastmilk
substitutes, bottles or teats from health professional educational exhibits.

An exhibit where breastmilk substitutes, bottles and teats were on display
would still be in full compliance with the Code. However at this time, the
ILCA Board has chosen not to allow formula manufacturers to exhibit. Display
of freestanding infant feeding bottles is not permitted.

Some members have asked about exhibits by Code violators. We are a global
association and Code compliance by individual manufacturers varies widely
from country to country. The company may be in full compliance in Australia,
and in blatant violation in the US or Canada. In a sampling of Internet
sites, all manufacturers surveyed were violating the Code related to direct
advertising to the public.

ILCA does not have the resources to assess each company's compliance on a
world-wide scale. We can, and do, dictate behavior and displays at ILCA
exhibits.

Beverley Rae, MSW CSW IBCLC
Manhasset, NY
ILCA President

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