SWITZERLAND – Global multinational food conglomerate Nestlé has made a unilateral commitment to not promote infant formula for babies up to six months of age in all countries around the world, effective January 1, 2023.
The unprecedented decision by the world’s largest food manufacturer is particularly relevant in the United States, Canada, and Japan where no regulations currently exist.
Nestlé revealed this in its recently published annual compliance report on its Policy on the responsible marketing of breastmilk substitutes (BMS).
The report is based on compliance monitoring activities and audits undertaken in 2021 and provides insight on Nestlé’s robust WHO Code compliance system.
In 2021, Nestlé achieved a number of remarkable milestones including maintaining its inclusion in the FTSE4Good BMS Index—marking the 11th year in a row.
The maker of Aptamil infant formula also improved our score in the ATNI BMS and Complementary Foods Marketing Index 2021 by 12 points (57% in 2021 vs. 45% in 2018).
Mexico and the Philippines, two countries selected for assessment by both FTSE4Good and ATNI, were rated as highly compliant despite the ATNI BMS and Complementary Foods Marketing Index 2021 having a stricter criteria.
“Nestlé is committed to respecting the trust that parents, caregivers and other stakeholders place in us. I hope this report demonstrates to them how important it is to our company both to act responsibly when we market breast milk substitutes and swiftly address any compliance risks that may arise.”
In the report Nestlé also highlighted risks and substantiated cases of non-compliance together with the swift and decisive actions that Nestlé takes to address them.
According to the report, 116 cases of non-compliance detected across 37 countries: 23% of cases were attributable to Nestlé while 77% attributable to direct third parties.
“Our monitoring of WHO Code compliance shows most deviations are caused by business partners both within and outside of our sphere of influence, which limits our ability to implement our WHO Code compliance framework,” Nestlé said.
“Recognizing this challenge, our Call to Action response included our commitment to work with global and regional retailers and e-commerce players to help contribute to a common level of adherence to the WHO Code.”
Nestlé has also committed to provide regular training to help third parties with whom it has a direct service relationship to comply with its Policy and Procedures and national legislation implementing the WHO Code.
To prevent future cases of noncompliance attributable to Nestlé, the company revealed that it will issue updated training materials and conduct an awareness campaign to prepare employees for the release of Nestlé’s updated Policy implementing the WHO Code.
Leanne Geale, Head of Group Legal, Corporate Governance and Compliance, said: “Nestlé is committed to respecting the trust that parents, caregivers and other stakeholders place in us.
I hope this report demonstrates to them how important it is to our company both to act responsibly when we market breast milk substitutes and swiftly address any compliance risks that may arise.”
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