Caribbean - IBFAN

Breaking the Rules, Stretching the Rules 2004
Labelling
� Article 9 of the Code requires labels to NOT discourage
breastfeeding and to inform about the correct use of the product,
the risk of misuse and abide by a
number of other points.
� Labels on Malish and
Malutka in Georgia and
Malish in Armenia do not
contain the important
notice that breastfeeding is
best nor a warning on the
health hazards of inappropriate
preparation.
� The Vital Infantil 2 follow-up formula
label discourages continued
breastfeeding by suggesting that as
of 6 months, babies no longer get
breastmilk so require a special transition
milk food “ like this one …”�
� In Indonesia, Vitalac’s label does not contain a warning
about the health hazards of inappropriate preparation
of the formula and that it should only be used
on a health worker’s advice.
� The label of Crema Nutricia in Costa Rica indicates
it is suitable for infants from 4 months.
� The Bebelac 1 label in the Dominican Republic and
Mexico discourages exclusive breastfeeding with a
statement that the product should be given “when
breastfeeding is not possible or is insufficient”
� Nutrilon Soya infant formula advises on its label in
the Dominican Republic that complementary foods
should be introduced as of 4 months. Nutrilon 2 in
Indonesia does the same.
� Sari Husada’s SGM 1 label in Indonesia recommends
complementary feeding as of 4 months and promotes
the use of its SNM porridge.
� In Argentina, the labels of Nutrilon Soya, Nutrilon
Premium, Kas 1000 and L-K Infantil and Vital
Infantil 1 do not have a warning about health haz-
ards of inappropriate preparation
and the statement that
the product should be used
only on the advice of a health
worker.
� In Italy, the Nutrilon AR label
shows a large feeding
bottle and does not have
a warning on the health
hazards of inappropriate
preparation.�
IBFAN -- International Baby Food Action Network
� In Luxembourg, the
Bambix non-milk cereal
displays a picture of a
baby and recommends
the product for “1 st age”
babies. On the back
panel, it says it is “ideal
for bottle-feeding from
four months.”�
� Labels on Infacare 1 in South
Africa and Tanzania claim it is a
“…scientifically constituted
powdered infant formula. It is
based on analysis of breastmilk
to support your baby’s healthy
growth”. The text is only in English,
not, as required, in the local
languages.�
Highlights of text and pictures
in company materials which
violate the Code
NUTRICIA
� The label of Bebelac
infant juice in Serbia
recommends the product
for use from 4
months.�
� The label on Cow & Gate’s Omneo Comfort in South
Africa compares the product with breastmilk: “Stools of
an infant fed with breastmilk are soft and lighter in
colour” and “when using Omneo Comfort, if changing
from another formula, you may find that baby’s stool
become softer and lighter”. The text is only in English.
� Article 4.2 requires all information material to advocate
for breastfeeding and not contain pictures or text which
idealises the use of breastmilk substitutes.
� For health professionals, Article 7.2 of the Code only allows
product information which is factual and scientific.
� A Nutrilon booklet
on prebiotics in
Argentina makes
Nutrilon out to be
similar to breastmilk
and claims that
“prebiotics stimulate
the growth of the
intestinal flora, predominantly bifidus
bacteria, promoting normal stool consistency”.
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