Less than half of infants around the world are breastfed as recommended, and baby formula is in high demand despite failing to offer the same health and developmental benefits as breast milk. The report states that misleading claims and political influence are to blame.
The report from health experts at institutions around the world says that commercial milk formula sales tactics violate the international code on breastfeeding marketing and calls for stricter government regulation of irresponsible baby formula marketing and widespread industry interference.
The report comes as more children than ever are being fed formula and as climate, political and economic crises threaten global supply. The US is still recovering from a monthslong shortage of infant formula that stressed families and may lead to sweeping changes at the US Food and Drug Administration. According to the report, other countries have faced similar supply chain disruptions caused by events like flooding South Africa, war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 Pandemic, events that companies capitalized on to garner more donations and customers.
The authors acknowledge that formula is necessary for some women who choose not to or who can’t breastfeeding and note that criticisms of the commercial milk formula industry should not be seen as criticism of women.