KEY World Health Assembly DOCUMENTS
Compilation of the Code, Resolutions and Decisions
Updated 2024
The most important document to understand is the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes that was adopted in 1981. Since 1981, 20 World Health Assembly Resolutions and decisions have been adopted that clarify, strengthen and extend the Code. They have the same status as the Code and should be read and acted on together with it.
The Resolution that adopted the Code, WHA34.22 stressed that: “..the adoption of and adherence to the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes is a minimum requirement and only one of several important actions required in order to protect healthy practices in respect of infant and young child feeding.”
The need for sound information on infant and young child feeding is at the heart of the Code and the eight Resolutions that specifically called for Conflict of Interest safeguards.
Paragraph 44 of the 2003 Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding outlined just two clear roles for industry: to ensure that their products meet Codex Alimentarius standards; to monitor their marketing practices according to the principles and aim of the Code and to ensure that their conduct at every level conforms to the Code, subsequent relevant Health Assembly resolutions and national measures that have been adopted to give effect to both. Thats it!!
WHO Basic Documents 49th Edition 2020
ICDC compilation of the Code and Resolutions up to 2018.
New WHO Guidance
2024. Supporting member states in reaching informed decision-making on engaging with private sector entities for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases: a practical tool. Citation (2024). Whttps://iris.who.int/handle/10665/378209. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO
WHO Guideline for complementary feeding of infants and young children 6-23 months of age. 16 October 2023. PDF
Guidance on regulatory measures aimed at restricting digital marketing of breast-milk substitutes. 16 November 2023
WHO Guideline on prevention and management of Wasting and nutritional oedema (acute malnutrition) Information on the GL
Health effects of the use of non-sugar sweeteners: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 12 April 2022
Use of non-sugar sweeteners: WHO guideline. May 2023
How industry funding affects global policy setting on sweetness and flavouring (Baby Milk Action briefing 2021)
WHO UNICEF multi-country report – How marketing of formula milk influences our decisions on infant feeding
WHO report on scope and impact of Digital Marketing
WHO Policy Brief and “model law” for the European Region covering breastmilk substitutes, baby foods and related products
EU Council Resolution on marketing of breast-milk substitutes in third countries by Community-based manufacturers. (Official Journal C 172 , 08/07/1992): “Whereas the application of the International Code provides without doubt an excellent way to achieve this in these countries … 1. The Community will contribute to the application of appropriate marketing practices for breast-milk substitutes in third countries.2……the Commission will instruct its delegations in third countries to serve as contact points for the competent authorities. Any complaints or criticisms with respect to the marketing practices of a manufacturer based in the Community could be notified to them.3. The Commission will be ready to examine such cases and to assist in the search for a satisfactory solution for all parties concerned.” EU Export Directive (required labels in the appropriate language)
WHO/UNICEF/IBFAN 2022 Code Status report .
CLICK HERE for WHO’s Framework for Engagement with Non State Actors (FENSA). Please note that IBFAN has many concerns about FENSA For past comments see 2G2H2 31.1. 2018. Baby-Milk-Action-IBFAN-GWP. IBFAN EB Jan 18
CLICK HERE for the Resolution WHA 69/9 adopted in May 2016 entitled Ending inappropriate promotion of foods for infants and young children
CLICK HERE for the WHO Guidance on ending the inappropriate promotion of foods for infants and young children PDF A69/A/CONF./7 Rev.1 A69/7 Add.1 13 May 2016
Implementation Manual for the Guidance on ending the inappropriate promotion of foods for infants and young children. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/260137/9789241513470-eng.pdf
CLICK HERE for our summaries and here for the the Baby Feeding Law Group
Infant and Young Child feeding in Emergency.
IFE Strategy 2020-2024
Compilation of Blogs and articles about Infant Feeding in Emergencies
Key legislation documents
Policy Brief produced by the WHO Regional Office for Europe that includes a “model law”, developed specifically for the Region, demonstrating what effective regulations should look like.
ENDING INAPPROPRIATE MARKETING OF BREAST-MILK SUBSTITUTES AND FOODS FOR INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN. PDF
International Code Regulations
Code reports published biennially by WHO, UNICEF and IBFAN
2024. Marketing of breast-milk substitutes: national implementation of the international code, status report 2024. WHO/UNICEF/IBFAN
2022 Marketing of breast-milk substitutes: national implementation of the international code, status report 2022 WHO UNICEF IBFAN
2020 Marketing of breast-milk substitutes: national implementation of the international code, status report 2020: summary (2020)
2018 Marketing of breast-milk substitutes: national implementation of the international code, status report 2018 (2018)
2016:Marketing of breast-milk substitutes: national implementation of the international code: status report 2016 (WHO/NMH/NHD/16.1, 2016)
Global Breastfeeding Collective – Toolkit on the Code
For information relating to the UK click HERE and HERE
First Steps Nutrition Trust and the Baby Feeding Law Group
Formulas for Special Medical purposes
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Key Codex Alimentarius documents
IBFAN has followed the work of Codex for many years and has attended meetings since 1995 when the WTO recognised its standards as the bench mark in trade disputes.
IBFAN’s Statements, Press Releases and other documents on THIS LINK
Letter from the Codex Chair and Vice Chairs about the Codex Strategic Plan for 2026-2031. CAC letter April 23 Note the final question: Much has changed in 60 years since Codex was established, so we wonder, is it time we rethink Codex?
Key Codex documents relating to IYC feeding:
STANDARD FOR FOLLOW-UP FORMULA FOR OLDER INFANTS AND PRODUCT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN* CXS 156-1987
GUIDELINES FOR READY-TO-USE THERAPEUTIC FOODS (RUTF) CXG 95-2022. Adopted in 2022 (RUTF GL PDF)
STANDARD FOR INFANT FORMULA AND FORMULAS FOR SPECIAL MEDICAL PURPOSES INTENDED FOR INFANTS adopted 2007
CODEX STANDARD FOR FOLLOW-UP FORMULA CODEX STAN 156-1987 (amended 1989) This standard is being revised.
GUIDELINES ON FORMULATED COMPLEMENTARY FOODS FOR OLDER INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN CAC/GL 8-1991
CODEX STANDARD FOR CANNED BABY FOODS 1 CODEX STAN 73-1981 (amended 1985, 1987, 1989)
STANDARD FOR CANNED BABY FOODS CXS 73-1981
Adopted in 1981. Amended in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2017, 2023
CODE OF ETHICS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN FOOD INCLUDING CONCESSIONAL AND FOOD AID TRANSACTIONS CAC/RCP 20-1979. take special note of the last para: 4.4 National authorities should be aware of their obligations under the International Health Regulations (2005) with regard to food safety events, including notification, reporting or verification of events to the World Health Organisation (WHO). They should also make sure that the international code of marketing of breast milk substitutes and relevant resolutions of the World Health Assembly (WHA) setting forth principles for the protection and promotion of breast- feeding be observed.
Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling See Annex 2 for Front of Pack Nutrition Labelling adopted at the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL) in 2021. FOPNLFINAL Guidelines
CODEX ARCHIVES for all the REPORTS
CCNFDSU and CCFL reports
Nov 2023 (CAC46) Rome.Italy FINAL REPORT List of participants
May 2023 Ottawa, Canada CCFL47
March 2023 Dusseldorf, Germany CCNFSDU43
2014.Bali, Indonesia CCNFSDU 36
2011 Bad Soden Frankfurt CCNFSDU 33
Codex Commission Reports
Key section from the CAC45 report on the Final adoption of the RUTF Guidelines.(RUTF GL)
53, In the discussion on the adoption of the Guidelines for Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) at Step 8:
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- Many Members intervened in support of final adoption and commended the leadership of the working group in completing the Guidelines.
- One Member and an Observer noted the level of carbohydrates, specifically sugar, exceeded WHO recommendations. This issue was discussed extensively at CCNFSDU including current constrains on product formulation and it was also highlighted that RUTF were meant for short term use.
- Observer organizations expressed the view that the level of magnesium was too low; stressed the need to guard against inappropriate promotion of the products; underlined the need to ensure the availability of potable water; expressed the view that the preamble should further address the need for appropriately designed programmes to support continued breastfeeding and re-lactation; and that the use of RUTF should not preclude the use of culturally appropriate home-based foods.Conclusion
- CAC45 adopted the Guidelines for Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) at Step 8 with the editorial amendments as proposed by WHO on the definition for Severe Acute Malnutrition and by EU in CX/CAC 22/45/4 Add. 1.
https://twitter.com/FAOWHOCodex/status/1644551138065412096?cn=ZmxleGlibGVfcmVjcw%3D%3D&refsrc=email
Key Convention on the Rights of the Child documents
Convention on the Rights of the Child
From the Archives:
Here is a letter from Save the Children, dated 27th February 1995, answering a query about evidence of Nestlé’s marketing.
Free Downloads of ICDC materials
For more than 30 years the IBFAN/International Code Documentation Centre in Penang has monitored and reported on violations of the International Code and Resolutions and assisted countries in drafting or strengthening national legislation. Following the closure of the ICDC Penang office, IBFAN’s regional offices are taking up this work. Many ICDC materials are available as free downloads – see below – some hard copies are from the VIRTUAL SHOP
Code&Resolutions pdf (Updated 2022)
Code Essentials 1 (CE1) 2nd Edition
Code Essentials 2 (CE2) Includes the Model Law 2nd Edition
Code Essentials 3 (CE3) 2nd Edition
Code Monitoring Kit (Update 2019)
2019 Health Worker Guide 12th Ed
GLOBAL MONITORING REPORTS
Breaking the Rules Stretching the Rules 2017
2019 IBFAN Code Monitoring Kit
Company Profiles
Nestlé BTR 2017
FonteraMilks for mothers ICDC Focus
National Laws to implement the Code and Resolutions.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uztac_3j8R0VKxmakiWIkmUIOG8a1bic
Dominican Republic: 1998 National Code 2014 – Decret 14-089 Promulgation Code des substituts du lait mat Dominican Republic 1996 _EN Dominican Republic 1995_EN Dominican Ley 8-95 & Decreto 31-96 Reglamento SP 2009 Rules & Decisions
Saudi Arabia 2004 Resolution 260 2009 Rules & Decisions 2004 Resolution 260 Signed IRR 2006
The Philippines: PHL 2011 The Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act No. 10028 RA7600 Philippines-No.2006-0012 extract Philippines-No.2006-0012 2012#27 IAC Guidelines on Powers and functions 2009#25 DOH on Newborn Care 2009#228 DOH DC Monitoring Milk Code 2009 #10028 Amendment to Rooming In 2008 # 006 DOH DC Amendment on Labeling 2007#027 DOH DC on labelling 2006#12 AO on RIRR 2005#14 DoH National policy on IYCF2009 Rules & Decisions 2004 Resolution 260 Signed IRR 2006 PHL 2011 The Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act No. 10028 RA7600 Philippines-No.2006-0012 extract Philippines-No.2006-0012 2012#27 IAC Guidelines on Powers and functions 2009#25 DOH on Newborn Care 2009#228 DOH DC Monitoring Milk Code 2009 #10028 Amendment to Rooming In 2008 # 006 DOH DC Amendment on Labeling 2007#027 DOH DC on labelling 2006#12 AO on RIRR 2005#14 DoH National policy on IYCF 2004 #15 BFAD Guidelines on Advertising 1986 # EO51 Milk Code 2006 RIRR No 12 1986 EO51 Milk Code
OMAN: 1998 Ministerial Decree 55 Omanعمان 1998 Arrete00215 FR
NIGER 1998 Arrete 00215 EN (revised) 1994 – BMS Regulation 1992 – Act
KIRIBATI: Kiribati 2010 Modification of Art 2 1996 Regulation 1996 Law
GUYANA: Guyana 2004 Decret no.000033 FR 2004 Decree no.000033 EN
COSTA RUCA: 2009 RTCR 426 Preparados para lactantes – SP 2009 Reglamento Technico 36047 -S 2009 RTCR 426 on IF labelling – ENG 1995 Decreto 24576-SP EN 1995 Decreto 24576- S 1994 Reglamento Ley No 7430 SP EN 1994 ley-7430 fomento-de-la-lactancia-materna SP decreto-1396-de1992 SP 1993 Decree 1397 + 1396 EN decreto 1397 de 1992 EN
BOLIVIA: 2014 REGLAMENTO_DE_SANCIONES_ESPECu00CDFICAS 201502 LEY 3460 DE FOMENTO A LACTANCIA MATERNA. BOLIVIA 2009 Decreto Supremo No.0115 Reglamento – sent by MStahlhofer 22.3 2006 Bolivia Law 3460 EN 2009 Bolivia Regulation EN
LAO 2019-Code-of-marketing-PM-signed-version_EN 2007 Agmt on IYC Food Products control
Sao Tome Sao Tome Codigo Comercializacao Subst Leite Materno_STP_aprovado 2018 1993 Decret No. 93-279 Draft_ CT_décret SLM décret_10022021_VF
Côte d’Ivoire
2013 Décret no. 2013-416 du 6 juin 2013 portant réglementation de la commercialisation des substituts du lait maternel
2021 Arrêté interministériel No. 687 portant création, composition, attribution et fonctionnement, de la Commission d’Autorisation de Commercialisation des Substituts de Lait Maternel
2021 Arrêté interministériel No. 688 du 02 Aout 2021 portant reglementation de la promotion ou de la publicite des substituts du lait maternel
2021 Arrêté interministériel No. 689 Fixant les conditions d’autorisation de commercialisation des substituts du lait maternel
2021 Arrêté No. 001 du 11 août 2021 portant creation du comité national pour la promotion, la protection, le soutien à l’allaitement et au développement de la petite enfance (CNAPE)
