Infant Nutrition Council

The Infant Formula Manufacturers' Association of Australia (IFMAA) and the New Zealand Infant Formula Marketers' Association (NZIFMA) have amalgamated into one body, the Infant Nutrition Council, to represent the infant formula industry both in Australia and New Zealand. The Heinz Company is a member of the Council.

The aim of the Council is to improve the nutrition of infants by promoting and supporting breastfeeding, and when breastfeeding is not possible, to support the use of infant formula as the only suitable alternative. These aims are in line with the WHO International Code of Marketiing  of Breast Milk Substitutes(1). To achieve these aims the Council is committed to working in partnership with government, regulatory authorities, health professionals and breast feeding advocates.

It is well worth taking a look at the Infant Nutrition Council's website www.infantnutritioncouncil.com as it is a useful resource on infant formula for both health professionals and interested parents/carers.  It contains information on the 3 Marketing Codes for Infant formula (WHO International Code, The Marketing in Australia of Infant Formula Agreement, and the New Zealand Code) and a summary of what infant formula companies must do to comply with them. There is also information on the safe preparation of infant formula; explanations of technical terms used on infant formula labels such as nucleotides, LCPs, Gold etc; articles and research reports and links to relevant health, government and company websites. The Frequently Asked Question section provides answers to questions such as why is breast milk better than infant formula; can you freeze infant formula; does infant formula cause obesity and how to avoid dental caries while breast and formula feeding.

References.

1. World Health Organisation. International Code of the Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes. Geneva 1981