The British government's volte face on the ban on advertising breast milk substitutes has triggered alarm in medical circles. On March 1, the government tabled before Parliament a watered down regulation that will allow advertising in publications distributed through the public healthcare system. This law is at odds with a European Community directive last year which said that such advertising should be restricted to professional and scientific journals.
It also contradicts the government's professed commitment to the World Health Organisation's International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. The code, adopted in 1981, pushes for the stopping of all breastmilk substitute advertising -- a major step to ensure that mothers, freelance childcarers and health workers receive impartial advice and are cushioned against commercial pressures.
Pati Rundall of the pressure group, Baby Milk Action, complains that the government has turned a deaf ear to the advice of professional bodies such as the British Medical Association, the British Paediatric Association and the Royal College of Midwives.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.