Healthy Skepticism Library item: 14952

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Barennes H, Srour LM.
Coffee creamer as infant food: Authors’ reply to Nestlé
BMJ. 2009 Jan 21; 338:
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/338/jan21_1/b198

Abstract:

Stieger’s letter shows misunderstanding of the international code on the marketing of breast milk substitutes by Nestlé (Thai).1 2 The coffee creamer is only the tip of the iceberg.

The obvious and ongoing code violations include marketing of formula and non-formula products with the logo of a baby bear held in the breastfeeding position (article 5). Sweetened condensed milk (45% sugar, 20% skimmed milk powder and palm oil) with the Bear Brand logo was still on sale in Vientiane in September 2008. In neighbouring Thailand, an aggressive advertising campaign began in 2007 with the Bear Brand logo on sweetened condensed milk, milk products, and formula products. Advertising on the sky train in Bangkok of Bear Brand products was seen in September 2008.3 In 2004, large billboards marketing formula products and “follow-up formulas” (which fall within the scope of article 2 of the code) with the Bear Brand logo appeared in Vientiane, . . .