Table 2

Summary of the Articles of the WHO International Code of Marketing Breast Milk Substitutes*

No advertising to the public
No free samples or gifts to mothers
No promotion of products in healthcare facilities
No contact of mothers by company representatives
No gifts or samples to health workers
No baby pictures idealising formula
No unsuitable products such as sweetened condensed milk to be promoted for babies
Information to health workers to be scientific
All information to be objective and to explain the benefits and superiority of breastfeeding
Health professionals to disclose to their institution any fellowships, research grants, or conferences provided by baby food manufacturers
Manufacturers and distributors to comply with above even if country has not implemented the Code
Professional groups, non-governmental organisations and individuals to inform manufacturers, distributors and governments of activities violating the Code
  • * The Code covers the marketing of all breast milk substitutes, foods and products such as bottles and teats.9