Food Code
The purpose of the Code is to protect and promote breastfeeding by ensuring the proper marketing and distribution of breast-milk substitutes.
The Code applies to breast-milk substitutes when they are marketed, or when they are presented as products that partially or fully replace breast milk.
These substitutes may include foods or drinks such as:
- Infant formula
- The Code also applies to bottles and teats.
No advertising of these products is allowed to the public.
No free samples may be given to mothers, their families, or healthcare professionals..
No promotion of these products is allowed in healthcare facilities, including displays, posters, or distribution of promotional materials.
No gifts or samples may be given to healthcare professionals. Product information must be factual and scientific.
No free or low-cost provision of breast-milk substitutes is allowed in any healthcare facility.
Educational and informational materials must explain the benefits of breastfeeding, the health risks associated with bottle feeding, and the costs of using formula.
Product labels must clearly state the superiority of breastfeeding, the need for professional healthcare advice, and a warning about health risks. No images of infants or other texts/images that idealize the use of formula are allowed.