The discussion on the suitability of the infant formula and cigarette analogy has been lively, indeed. My preference is to compare formula to accepted safeguards that surround us when we travel, for example cars equipped with seat belts, air bags and specially designed chairs for babies; big boats with small boats on board and, in principle, enough life jackets for all passengers; and airplanes with seat belts, oxygen masks, life jackets and inflatable rafts. Generally, as adults we are grateful that these devices are there even if, with the exception of seat belts and child seats, we are more grateful still for not having to use them--*except* in case of emergency. We would doubtless have a very different attitude if operators required that we *routinely* don life jackets and oxygen masks, and keep one foot in half-inflated rafts, as a pre-condition for travel. Infant formula as a breast-milk substitute that satisfies the main nutritional requirements of young infants qualifies as a genuine life-saver when the "real thing" is unavailable. And infant formula should be "standard equipment"--for use *only* in case of emergency! Jim Akre, Nutrition, WHO, Geneva