Table 1

International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes

Summary of the Code:

1. There should be no advertising of breast milk substitutes or other form of promotion to the general public.

2. Manufacturers and distributors should not provide, directly or indirectly, to pregnant women, mother or members of their families, samples of their products, including discount coupons.

3. No promotion of products in health care facilities.

4. No sales representatives to advise mothers.

5. No gifts or personal samples to health workers.

6. No words or pictures idealizing artificial feeding, including pictures of infants on the labels of the products.

7. Information to health workers should be scientific and factual.

8. All information on artificial infant feeding, including the labels, should explain the benefits of breastfeeding, and the costs and hazards associated with artificial feeding.

9. Unsuitable products, such as sweetened condensed milk, should not be promoted for babies.

All products should be of a high quality and take account of the climatic and storage conditions of the country where they are used.

Mizuno et al. International Breastfeeding Journal 2006 1:12   doi:10.1186/1746-4358-1-12