The WHO code requires the label to state, unequivocally, and in local
language, that breastfeeding is best.  But this is a *voluntary* code
in most countries, which means that formula companies ignore it if
they wish.  The recent IBFAN report on 30 something countries shows
that they are ignoring the code as if it didn't exist.  In Canada,
labels do say that breast is best, but the companies don't worry about
that little concession.  After all free samples work better than
little statements such as that.

What the formula companies do not understand is that what they are
doing is unethical even if there were no code.  Unethical is
unethical.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC