the Milk of Human profits
Nestle have been accused by the World Development Movement (WDM) of
breaching an International code about baby milk. The code aims to
protect infant health by controlling the marketing of artificial milks
and other baby foods which replace breastmilk.
The WDM have highlighted five areas where they believe Nestle are
breaching the international Code of Marketing of Breastmilk
Substitutes adopted by the World Health Assembly in 1981.
Manipulations of which Nestle stand accused are --
- Giving free samples to mothers, pregnant women and health workers.
- Displays and product promotion.
- Inducements to health workers.
- Gifts to mothers.
- Ingenious advertising strategies.
To look at each in turn --
Free samples
Nestle violated the code by giving free samples of one of its products to
health workers in eleven countries and to mothers in eight countries.
Displays and product promotion
Nestle violated the code by using posters and calendars in health care
facilities to advertise its products in Indonesia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Bangladesh, the
Philippines and Cote d'Ivoire.
Inducements to health workers
Nestle violated the code by giving health-care workers in Gabon free key
chains, wallets, examination lights and cartons of alcohonl swabs. One
doctor in Gabon reported receiving an expensive watch engraved with the name Nestle.
Gifts to Mothers
Nestle violated the code by ditributing bibs, spoons, plates and hats marked
with the name of one of its products Cerelac in Cote d'Ivoire. In the Phillipines, mothers
were invited to exchange 60 scoops from tins of Nestogen for a water pitcher.
Ingenious advertising strategies
Nestle violated the code by using the name 'Bear Brand' in Thailand, and
identical logos to cover five different products -- including infant formula
as well as milks for older children and adults. The effect is to blur the line
between the products.
Action :
Mother Earth is sympathetic to the boycott of Nestle products. Get
in touch with Baby Milk Action and the World Development Movement for
updates on the campaign.
Baby Milk Action
23 St. Andrew's Street
Cambridge CB2 3AX
Telephone: 44(0)1223 464420
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World Development Movement
25 Beehive Place
London, SW9 7QR
Telephone: 44(0)171 274 7630
Fax: (0)171 274 8232
Website:
http://www.oneworld.org/wdm
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Further reading --
Engineering Consent: Uncovering Corporate PR
published by Corner House, March 1998.
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