NCT Watch

This week the House of Lords debated government regulations designed to implement an EU directive on the labeling and marketing of formula milks. The current regulations introduce stricter controls on the on the advertising of infant formula milk by restricting formula companies’ ability to promote infant formula under the guise of follow-on formula and prohibiting adverts which make a direct comparison between formula milk and breastmilk. Crossbencher, Baroness Finlay, who led the debate initially called for the regulations to be annulled stating that the proposed regulations did not go far enough to promote breastfeeding to new mothers. She stated that formula should be a fallback option only and called for clear advice on how to safely prepare it.  However, she went on to say that Mothers who cannot breastfeed should not feel stigmatized and women who need to use formula should know how to use it safely. The Conservative Shadow Home Office Minister, Baroness Hanham claimed the implementation of the regulations  had been unnecessarily rushed, not giving manufacturers enough time to change labels.  She questioned why the Government had not waited like other countries. 

The Government Whip said that the Government’s central ambition was to protect and promote breastfeeding and that the government had a duty to protect babies who are bottle-fed with a priority on clear labeling. She went on to say that the government would consider further action if it became clear that there was a need for further legislation to restrict formula milk advertising.

The NCT believe that all parents need reliable information on all the different methods of baby feeding - this information should be clear, accurate and based on research evidence, so that parents have the opportunity to make informed decisions. However some formula milk manufacturers are still illegally advertising formula milk for babies under six months by taking advantage of loopholes in the law. To end this practice, we are calling for a complete advertising ban to close these legal loopholes and protect children and their parents.  Visit www.nct.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/campaigning/formula-advertising to find out more about the NCT’s campaign for a full and effective ban on formula milk advertising.