unethically, manipulated scientific information and policy makers to increase their sales.”
The authors argue that the industry has used a range of tactics to influence policy makers, including providing funding for research and lobbying to weaken national regulations.
Dr. Baker said the series calls for the urgent adoption of an international legal treaty to better regulate formula marketing ploys and protect the health and well-being of mothers and their infants.
“We need to ensure that families and health professionals are able to make informed decisions around infant feeding that are guided by accurate information, free from industry influence,” he said.
“We need to ensure that companies are not able to exploit parents’ emotions and manipulate scientific information and policymakers to generate sales at the expense of the health and rights of families, women, and children.”
2023-02-10 13:47:57
Original from phys.org
Baby formula has become an increasingly important industry in recent years, with market sizes estimated at around $48.3 billion in 2018. While it is an industry with potential for growth and innovation, experts are warning of potential exploitation of vulnerable consumers.
In particular, there is a concern that baby formula companies are targeting vulnerable consumers of lower socioeconomic backgrounds by using marketing tactics that are hard for them to resist. These tactics include providing free samples, marketing to health care professionals, and using celebrity endorsements. Additionally, the increased affordability of baby formula has made it easier for poorer households to buy it, without necessarily understanding the consequences.
In response to the potential exploitation of vulnerable consumers, the Australian government has introduced tougher legislation that requires baby formula companies to be transparent with their marketing practices and to ensure they are targeted at educated parents and caregivers. Furthermore, the companies must make sure that their promotions do not disadvantage vulnerable families or influence health decisions.
Another important concern is the potential for deceptive advertising, which has been seen in various countries. In 2015, Gerber was found guilty of deceptively promoting its infant formula products, leading to millions of dollars in fines. To address this concern, the Australian government has mandated that formula companies must make nutrition claims that are scientifically valid and compliant with legislation.
Overall, the baby formula industry is one with significant potential for exploitation, and experts are warning of the risks. To mitigate these issues, the government has put in place strict regulations that require the companies to be transparent about their marketing practices, to protect vulnerable consumers, and to ensure nutrition claims are scientifically valid.
