Commercial influences on infant and young child feeding.

Abstract

Optimal infant and young child feeding is essential for child health, development and social wellbeing. Breastfeeding is the foundation of early nutrition, and powerfully protects infants and young children against both infectious and non-communicable diseases. The commercial milk formula industry systematically undermines breastfeeding through pervasive marketing and influence over science, education and policy, despite international guidance, including the World Health Organization (WHO) International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. Biased industry-sponsored research supports misleading claims about formula efficacy, while industry funding of nutrition regulators, professional education and healthcare practitioners creates conflicts of interest. To protect public health, stronger regulations, full implementation of the WHO Code and clear boundaries between the formula industry and health sectors are needed. We propose policy actions, including a binding global treaty and transparency measures, to counteract commercial influence and safeguard child health.