Breastfeeding Coalition Tasmania calls for the new federal Minister for Health to take a stronger stance on the marketing of infant formula. A recent review into the MAIF Agreement had limited scope and the former Government’s response to the review was disappointing. More needs to be done to protect breastfeeding from commercial interests.
The Marketing in Australia of Infant Formulas: Manufacturers and Importers Agreement (MAIF Agreement) is a voluntary, self-regulatory code for industry, giving effect to the WHO Code in Australia.
Although we are pleased to have some regulation in place, the MAIF Agreement doesn’t go far enough to protect breastfeeding against sophisticated marketing by infant formula companies.
We believe that the marketing of toddler milk should be cover by the MAIF Agreement. If the marketing of toddler milk is not covered by the MAIF Agreement, these products should not be allowed to look identical to infant formula.
We are advocating for full implementation of the WHO Code in Australia. Strengthening the MAIF Agreement would be a first step. Contact us to find out how you can help.
