Abstract
Despite current scientific evidence that artificial feeding is a harmful practice, unquestioned acceptance of breastfeeding as the normal or "default" method of infant feeding remains elusive in the industrialised world. Throughout the developing world the profound consequences of the aggressive marketing strategies of the infant formula industry since the end of the Second World War is well known. A key objective of the International Breastfeeding Journal is to promote breastfeeding through addressing issues that encourage breastfeeding initiation, duration and effective management. Informing this aim is the recognition of artificial feeding as a harmful practice that places infant health at risk. From this perspective it would be unethical for this journal to accept for publication any manuscript that has received funding, sponsorship or any other means of support from infant formula manufacturers. This stance is consistent with the journal's aim of supporting, protecting and promoting breastfeeding. It will also contribute to the promotion of a breastfeeding culture.
Highlights
Throughout the developing world the profound consequences of the aggressive marketing strategies of the infant formula industry since the end of the Second World War is well known
Universal implementation of the International Code has been hampered by the difficulty of enforcing compliance among members of the infant formula industry and within nonsignatory nations
Does a consumer culture disregard the right of every infant to be breastfed, but it fosters accusations that promotion of breastfeeding leads to guilt among those unwilling or unable to successfully establish and maintain lactation. Overlooked by such claims is the hegemonic influence of the infant formula industry, promoted and sustained over decades of marketing of artificial baby milk
Summary
Should industry sponsor research? How much research in infant feeding comes from unethical marketing? Br Med J 1998, 317:338-339. How much research in infant feeding comes from unethical marketing? Waterston T, Nathwani A, Morley D, Shabde N, Spencer N, de Wildt G, Zinkin P: Researchers must recognise damage done by overt association with formula manufacturers (Letter).
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