PHM-Exch> One more about Nestlé

[Claudio Schuftan]

From: Arun Gupta <arun at ibfanasia.org>   excerpts


*Nestléis facing a criminal trial in a court in New Delhi for violating
Inndian lawI.

*

The promotional strategies of baby food companies are becoming smarter day
by day. Companies use every opportunity to break the spirit of the
legislation with their new age smart communication strategies that include
“cause- related marketing” and “association” with celebrities.

Nestle spearheads the baby food market in India;  it is  known to violate
the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes see
www.ibfan.org  <http://www.ibfan.org>,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjrI2TTHWpk&feature=youtu.be,).

For violation of Indian law, Nestle has been charged by a Court in Delhi
and is facing a criminal trial.


Nestle is not leaving any stone unturned to greenwash its image in the
society.

The World Health Assembly adopted the International Code of Marketing of
Breastmilk Substitutes in 1981 after it was recognized that marketing
practices of baby food industry undermines breastfeeding and infant and
young child feeding practices.  Studies all over the world have shown that
use of infant formula is harmful to infant health.


Nestle has resorted to promotional techniques which are projected as
'mother and child friendly'. Recent example is an event in Delhi  with
cinema celebrities and MPs in attendance. The event on 19th August 2012
happened just 2 days before day of trial Court hearing at Delhi.
Unknowingly, celebrities end up providing legitimacy to the company
branding.

While the '1000- days' is a global campaign (http://www.thousanddays.org/)
and advocacy initiative by governments and the UN to focus on the critical
window period of pregnancy and the first 2 years of life, Nestle has
latched on to this to 'project' them to be 'good' as if they are very
concerned for our mothers and children. If they were serious they better
stop any promotion of their products directly or indirectly and follow the
law in its letter and spirit. The campaign may appear to be a noble effort
by Nestle; all child health experts don't believe so.

Surely, Nestle is concerned about its profit, which is the bottom-line of
all corporate houses. Here, they jumped on to activities which government
and public health people should be doing to promote good infant nutrition.
In this case they crossed the line to project a child friendly image
although their practices continue to undermine healthy infant feeding
practices.

.

*Political and movie celebrities must SAY NO to any association with Nestle
and keep the Code alive.*



*Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI)*
Email: bpni at bpni.org, bpni.india at gmail.com
Website : http://www.bpni.org
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