This is an introduction to the provisions of the International Code and Resolutions.

The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes was adopted by the World Health Assembly in 1981 as a "minimum requirement" to protect infant health and is to be implemented "in its entirety." This document introduces the key provisions of the International Code and subsequent, relevant Resolutions of the World Health Assembly.



"The International Code is a unique and indispensable tool to protect and promote breastfeeding - an equally unique but threatened practice - and to ensure that marketing of breastmilk substitutes, feeding bottles and teats is appropriate. The International Code was the first of its kind, an internationally adopted and endorsed basic minimum requirement to protect healthy practices in respect of infant and young child feeding. Although less binding than a treaty or a convention, the International Code is an international public health recommendation to regulate the marketing of breastmilk substitutes, adopted by the World Health Assembly (WHA)." - Breastfeeding Committee for Canada: The National Authority for the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly™Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in Canada



World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland, 1981

The Code includes these ten important provisions:

1. No advertising of products under the scope of the Code to the public.



2. No free samples to mothers.



3. No promotion of products in health care facilities, including the distribution of free or low-cost supplies.



4. No company representatives to advise mothers.



5. No gifts or personal samples to health workers.



6. No words or pictures idealizing artificial feeding, including pictures of infants, on the labels of the products.



7. Information to health workers should be scientific and factual.



8. All information on artificial feeding, including the labels, should explain the benefits of breastfeeding and all costs and hazards associated with artificial feeding.



9. Unsuitable products such as sweetened condensed milk should not be promoted for babies.



10. All products should be of a high quality and take account of the climatic and storage conditions of the country where they are used.

For the full document please read http://www.who.int/nut/documents/code_english.PDF