ABA is calling for new laws aligned with the WHO Code to protect families from infant formula marketing.
Why is this new government consultation important?
Most parents understand that breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants.
When mothers do not breastfeed or only do so partially, there is a legitimate market for infant formula and these products should be made available to those who need them. However, they should not be marketed or distributed in ways that may interfere with the protection and promotion of breastfeeding.
(International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes 1981).
The Australian Government committed to introducing regulations on infant formula marketing in line with the former MAIF Agreement in early 2025.
The Government's Restricting Infant Formula Marketing in Australia consultation was launched on 27 March and closes on 17 April. It considers whether to broaden the scope of the regulations to include toddler milk products and/or marketing activity by retailers.
ABA supports the Australian Government’s commitment to introduce new legal controls on infant formula marketing. However, ABA is calling for legislation that not only includes toddler milk products and marketing by retailers, but is fully aligned with the full scope of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes 1981 and subsequent WHA resolutions.
Only legislation fully aligned with the WHO Code will protect breastfeeding and parents’ infant feeding choices from commercial influence.
Get involved: Help protect breastfeeding and support informed infant feeding choices by sharing your views.
Have more to say?
Submit your views through the online survey and help shape stronger protections.
