Infant formula industry welcomes The Australian Breastfeeding Strategy 2019 and Beyond
Infant formula manufacturers welcome the the Australian Breastfeeding Strategy announced today by the Government.
Infant Nutrition Council (INC) Chief Executive Jan Carey says her organisation supports the strategy.
“The strategy was developed to promote breastfeeding and incorporates research on effective ways to do that, so it’s important it’s kept up to date and relevant to the current environment. This review will ensure that happens.”
The strategy was a collaborative effort that had input from the federal and state governments and other stakeholders, including INC.
“The infant formula industry recognises the importance of breastfeeding and that it’s the normal way to feed a baby and provide the best nutrition, and we’re pleased that the Government recognises also that when an infant isn’t able to receive breast milk, for whatever reason, the only suitable alternative is a scientifically formulated infant formula product.
The industry has spent many years studying breast milk and we know the value of good nutrition for infants and the unique and unsurpassed benefits of breast milk.
We will continue to support the public health goals of protecting and promoting breastfeeding, in particular through adherence to the Marketing in Australia of Infant Formula (MAIF) Agreement.
INC also supports the Government’s recommendation to gather data on breastfeeding rates so we can all understand what breastfeeding rates are in Australia.”
For further information contact Jan Carey + 61 412 514 735
About the Infant Nutrition Council
The Infant Nutrition Council Ltd (INC) is the association for the infant formula industry in Australia and New Zealand. It represents 41 members. INC plays a key role in ensuring compliance and safety in the industry. All members abide by a Code of Conduct that provides direction on industry issues, including the support of breastfeeding, food regulations and standards, food safety issues, and company representatives’ conduct and activities. INC advocates for optimal nutrition for all infants: breastfeeding first, and, when needed, infant formula as the only suitable alternative. INC members include a2 Milk, Abbott Nutrition, Aspen Nutritionals, Bayer, Danone Nutricia, Fonterra, HJ Heinz, Nestle, Synlait. Associate members include Bubs Australia, Burra Foods, Freedom Foods, Nuchev Food, Saputo Dairy, Tatura Milk, Wattle Health, NIG Nutritionals, Westland, Dairy Goat Co-operative, Bodco, Cambricare, Fresco, GMP, New Zealand New Milk, Spring Sheep Milk, Winston, Yashili. Website: www.infantnutritioncouncil.com
