increase font size
The infant formula industry has acted “with great responsibility and integrity” by revising its marketing code of practice, says the Infant Nutrition Council (INC) chief executive Jan Carey.
The Code of Practice for Marketing of Infant Formula in New Zealand restricts the advertising and marketing of infant formula products for children up to 12 months of age.
It was revised after INC applied to the Commerce Commission to extend the restriction that applied to products for children up to six months old.
The INC represents most infant formula.
Carey says they sought the restriction because they believed the improved health outcomes that would flow from it would outweigh the detriments arising from the lessening of competition between formula makers.
“We recognised the importance of aligning the marketing practices of infant formula that is the sole source of nutrition for infants up to six months with breast milk substitutes for infants up to the age of 12 months.
“The commission agreed, and their decision underlined exactly what the industry is trying to do – put the health of babies and mothers first.
“The industry has acted, in my view, with great responsibility and integrity by revising the code.
“Our stance is supported by many public health bodies. It aligns with recent guidance from the World Health Assembly and is consistent with the Ministry of Health’s nutrition guidelines for infants.”
The revised code was launched at Parliament on April 30 by Health Minister David Clark and Minister for Food Safety Damien O’Connor.
OPINION: As soon as RNZ realised MP Andrew Hoggard's sister worked for Dairy Companies Association of NZ (DCANZ) and was, shock horror, lobbying government on behalf of its members, it wasted no time accusing him of not managing conflicts of interests.
Manufacturers of infant formula are largely supportive of a proposed new domestic labelling standard for their products.
A trans-Tasman battle is brewing over a proposal to introduce changes to packaging and labelling regulations for infant formula.
The once-lucrative Chinese infant formula market is shrinking.
Abbot Laboratories NZ Limited is recalling specific brands and batches of infant formula product for special dietary use imported from the United States because of possible Cranobacter and Salmonella contamination.
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.
OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.
