Nestlé welcomes Call to Action by WHO, UNICEF and civil society organizations

By Jim Cornall

- Last updated on GMT

The company said a level playing field for all companies is essential.  Pic: Getty Images/Paffy69
The company said a level playing field for all companies is essential. Pic: Getty Images/Paffy69

Related tags Nestlé Infant formula WHO Breastfeeding

The World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other civil society organizations have published a Call to Action, calling on manufacturers of breast-milk substitutes to take steps towards full implementation of the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.

Nestlé said it shares the common goal of working together to ensure breastfeeding and optimal nutrition for all mothers, infants and young children worldwide, and also shares the Call to Action's ambition of full code compliance by industry and the implementation of the code globally by 2030.

Nestlé said it believes breast milk is the ideal nutrition for babies and supports and promotes the WHO’s recommendation on breastfeeding.

It added it complies with the code and relevant resolutions of World Health Assembly (WHA) as implemented by national governments everywhere in the world, as a minimum.

“Over the years, we have taken significant steps to strengthen our breastmilk substitutes marketing practices and will continue to do so,”​ the company said in a statement.  Nestlé added it welcomes fair feedback from stakeholders that helps the company to improve.

“We highly respect the role that WHO, UNICEF and civil society organizations have played in advancing this issue,”​ the company said.

The Call to Action recognizes that a level playing field for all companies is essential, Nestlé added.

“In the absence of legislation, achieving such a level playing field will require everyone to work together, including us. Nestlé is committed to leading the way and encourages all stakeholders to work together to achieve this important goal.

“Our response will reflect our commitment to improving the health of mothers and children across the world and we look forward to engaging in this important work.”

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