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Breast milk substitutes in Hong Kong
E A S Nelson1, C W Chan, C M Yu
1Departments of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. tony-nelson@cuhk.edu.hk
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|July 2, 2004
Summary
Companies in Hong Kong market breast milk substitutes, including infant formula, despite the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes. Adherence to the code and World Health Assembly resolutions is inconsistent, impacting breastfeeding support.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Policy
- Global Health Initiatives
Background:
- The World Health Assembly adopted the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes (the Code) in 1981 to promote and support breastfeeding.
- Hong Kong exhibits low breastfeeding rates compared to other developed nations, despite some improving trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the self-reported adherence of companies marketing breast milk substitutes in Hong Kong to the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes.
- To identify discrepancies in marketing practices concerning infant formula and related products.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among companies marketing breast milk substitutes in Hong Kong.
- Seven out of nine companies responded to the questionnaire, with assurances of individual response confidentiality.
Main Results:
- Most surveyed companies promoted infant and follow-on formula within hospitals, including providing free infant formula supplies.
- Promotion of follow-on formula and weaning foods occurred in retail settings and to the general public.
- Free samples were distributed to mothers, indicating a perception that follow-on formula is not classified as a breast milk substitute, contrary to World Health Assembly resolutions.
Conclusions:
- Transnational corporations must adhere to the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes and subsequent World Health Assembly resolutions uniformly across all countries.
- Marketing practices for breast milk substitutes in Hong Kong require closer scrutiny to ensure alignment with global breastfeeding support initiatives.