Dietitians Australia has welcomed the consumer watchdog’s decision to deny the authorisation of a proposed industry code to restrict advertising and promotion of infant formula.
The Infant Nutrition Council has been pushing for the continued implementation of the Marketing in Australia of Infant Formula: Manufacturers and Importers Agreement (MAIF Agreement) for another five years, which requires Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) authorisation to implement.
“We have been pushing for years for Australia to move towards meeting its obligations under the World Health Organization (WHO) International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes Code and World Health Assembly (WHA) resolutions,” said Fiona Willer, Dietitians Australia president.
“This determination is a firm commitment towards this achievement.”
Willer added that families must have informed choices with the help of dietetic and nutrition guidance and these choices should not be compromised by the commercial marketing of infant formula.
“We look forward to the strengthened and robust regulation of marketing of infant formula and toddler milks in Australia,” said Willer.
“We welcome the opportunity to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that this happens with urgency so that Australian families are protected.”
An earlier Department of Health and Aged Care-commissioned independent review showed that the agreement no longer fits its purpose and suggested that the code be replaced with a stronger regulatory framework in the form of a legislated, prescribed mandatory code.
