Introduction

Prior to the early twentieth century, women had only two choices for how to feed their infants: they could breastfeed their infants themselves, or they could seek out a “wet nurse.” In the 1920s, a third option was introduced in developed nations—infant formula, a manufactured alternative to breast milk. Depending on its audience, this alternative was seen as a lifesaving option, a modern way to feed a child or a shameful health risk. Many people who have heard about the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes have expressed interest in knowing more about it. Baby food for the infants is the most sensitive one. Doctors suggest exclusive breast feeding for the infants. But for some cases like sickness, temporary disablement or for any other reasons mothers cannot breast feed to their babies. And for that they have to choose infant formula for their infants. Like any other products, parents of infant go through a selection process to choose a baby food. The purpose of this document is to provide concepts and terms of business ethics regarding marketing infant formula or baby food in the developed and low developing countries. Some of the scenarios of Bangladeshi baby food industries have also been analyzed.

What is the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitute

The Code is a set of recommendations to regulate the marketing of breast-milk substitutes, feeding bottles and teats. The Code was formulated in response to the realization that poor infant feeding practices were negatively affecting the growth, health and development of children, and were a major cause of mortality in infants and young children. Poor infant feeding practices therefore were a serious obstacle to social and economic development. The 34th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk