Notesale: Turn your study into money

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Websites and
organisations that are
funded by the formula
milk industry
March 2014

0

Contents
Introduction

2

Who provides independent information on food and nutrition
for infants and young children?

3

Aptamil Professional

4

British Specialist Nutrition Association

5

Feeding for Life Foundation

6

Fussy eaters

7

Growing Up Milk Info

9

Hipp Organic Healthcare Professional Hub

10

In Practice

11

Infant & Toddler Forum

13

Little People’s Plates

14

International Formula Council

15

Professional Know-How

16

1

Introduction
This short summary outlines some of the websites and organisations that are currently providing information to
health professionals and which are sponsored by infant milk manufacturers
...
The WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes aims to ensure that inappropriate marketing and promotion of breast milk substitutes does not
undermine breastfeeding, but there are frequent examples of how the rules are stretched and broken, and
examples of these can be found in the report from Baby Milk Action and The Baby Feeding Law Group ‘Look
what they’re doing!’1
...
We outline here why these websites should not be the main
source of information for any health professional, using some examples from the websites we examined
...

Example websites examined for this review
Name of organisation or website

Website address

Sponsored by

Aptamil Professional

www
...
co
...
bsna
...
feedingforlifefoundation
...
uk

Abbott Nutrition, Danone Baby
Nutrition, Mead Johnson Nutrition,
Nestlé Health Science, Nestlé
Nutrition and Nutricia Advanced
Medical Nutrition
Cow & Gate (Danone)

Fussy Eaters

www
...
co
...
growingupmilkinfo
...
hipp4hcps
...
uk

Hipp

www
...
co
...
infantandtoddlerforum
...
infantformula
...
smahcp
...
uk

Abbott Nutrition, Mead Johnson
Nutrition, Nestlé Infant Nutrition,
Perrigo Nutritionals and Pfizer
Nutrition
SMA (Nestlé)

1

http://www
...
org/pdfs/lwtduk2013
...
abm
...
uk
Best Beginnings – www
...
info
Breastfeeding Network – www
...
org
...
firststepsnutrition
...
dh
...
uk
Healthy Start – www
...
nhs
...
laleche
...
uk
Midwives Information and Resource Service – www
...
org
NHS Choices – www
...
uk
Physical Activity and Nutrition Wales – www
...
org
...
publichealth
...
net
Royal College Midwives – www
...
org
...
rcpch
...
uk
Scottish Maternal and Early Years – www
...
org
...
nhs
...
nct
...
uk
UNICEF – www
...
org
...
childrensfoodtrust
...
uk
In Scotland, Nutritional Guidance for Early Years can be accessed at:
www
...
gov
...
pdf
In Wales, Food and Health Guidelines for Early Years and Childcare Settings can be found at:
www
...
gov
...
pdf
In Northern Ireland, Nutrition Matters in the Early Years guidance can be found at:
www
...
org
...
pdf

3

Aptamil Professional – www
...
co
...
The site includes sections on how to support mums to breastfeed
for longer, resources called Excellence in Health Visiting which discuss infant feeding problems, support for
bottle-feeding mothers, information on allergies, information on weaning and some e-learning for pharmacists
...


Aptamil Professional say:
“It can be challenging to ensure toddlers get a healthy, balanced diet with all the nutrients they need in just the right
amounts
...
That is why Aptamil Growing Up milk 1-2 years contains more of the nutrients which commonly
fall short, 2 x 150ml servings a day provide around 50% of their daily requirements of iron, zinc and iodine, and just over 70%
of their daily vitamin D3 requirements
...
It is fortified with iron and other key vitamins and minerals to complement the weaning diet in a
smaller volume of milk
...
”

We say:
Health professionals should be able to access information on all the topics included on this site elsewhere and
avoid the need to go to branded websites
...
Claims made for the efficacy of prebiotics in formula milk are not accepted by the European
Food Safety Agency (EFSA) and whilst claims cannot be made on products, claims are made on the website
...
bsna
...
uk
(previously Infant and Dietetic Foods Association)

The British Specialist Nutrition Association (BSNA) Ltd is the trade association representing the manufacturers of
products designed to meet the nutritional needs of individuals at different lifestages or with specific health
requirements
...


The BSNA say:
“Our website has been developed to provide information for healthcare professionals, regulators, journalists,
researchers, parliamentarians and policy makers in the field of health and nutrition
...
The UK’s Department of Health adopted this recommendation and so
have some EU States but the majority have not
...
”
“Specialist foods for weaning and beyond are specially tailored for babies and toddlers up to the age of three
years
...
”

We say:
The focus of a trade association is to promote the sales of its member organisations
...
The
information provided undermines the 6 months exclusive breastfeeding message and promotes the idea that
specialist baby foods are required and are ‘better’ than home-made foods
...
feedingforlifefoundation
...
uk

The Feeding for Life Foundation is sponsored by Cow & Gate and has a logo very similar to the logo used on Cow
& Gate formula milks and foods
...

Experts who are involved with the Foundation (June 2013) are:












Professor Pinki Sahota, Professor of Nutrition and Childhood Obesity
Kathy Cowborough, Dietitian and Public Health Nutritionist
Professor Marion Hetherington, Professor of Biopsychology
Dr Julie Lanigan, Specialist Dietitian
Jacqui Lowdon, dietitian
Dr Paraic McGrogan, Consultant, Paediatric Gastroenterologist
Dr Robert Moy, retired Senior Lecturer in Child Health
Dr Kate Northstone, Senior Research Fellow at Bristol University
Dr Mark Porter
Alison Wall, Health Visitor
Dr Janet Warren, Diet and Nutrition Team Leader, at Danone Research (Danone are the parent company of Cow &
Gate
...
The Feeding for Life Foundation brings together a wealth of expertise and
experience in early-years nutrition
...
”

We say:
The information given in the magazine and on the website is generally taken from Government sources and
other public health information although there are errors (e
...
Autumn 2013 edition says women need 500kcal
extra when breastfeeding)
...
It is also
surprising that so many professionals are willing to associate their name with a commercial organisation,
particularly one which frequently ‘breaks the rules’ on the marketing of infant formula
...
(Information about the Infant & Toddler Forum is given on page 13
...


2

http://www
...
org/pdfs/lwtduk2013
...
fussyeaters
...
uk

Fussy eaters website directly supports the use of the Abbott product PaediaSure Shake for fussy eaters
and the website is aimed at both parents and families and health professionals
...
The product has been supported by articles on
fussy eating in health professional magazines and a 12 step eating plan that they say is devised by a
clinical psychologist and dietitian
...
It contains a balance of 26
vitamins and minerals
...
As a specially formulated nutritional supplement, PaediaSure Shake can fill
the gap with essential nutrients that your child misses out on during their fussy eating phase’

We say:
This is a high sugar product that has no place in the diet of a child
...
Using the
amounts suggested by Abbott, the amount of sugar from the milkshakes alone would exceed the
maximum recommended sugar intake for a child at any age
...
efsa
...
eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3408
...


7

Growing Up Milk Info – www
...
com

Growingupmilkinfo
...

Expert advice is provided by:
 Amanda Ursell, Nutritionist
 Johanna Hignett, Nutritionist
 Dr Hilary Jones, GP
 Fiona Faulkner, Toddler Chef
...


Growing Up Milk Info say:
“We’ve worked very hard, with the help of our fantastic team of parenting and health experts, to create an even
bigger and better resource for parents who are looking for information about toddler specific nutritional needs
and the role that Growing Up Milk plays
...
This is a big milestone and another time when mum’s research really matters
...
A simple switch from ordinary cows’ milk to
Growing Up Milk can make a big difference to the overall nutrient intake in some toddlers
...
3 The meal planner included on this website suggests that children have 300ml of
growing-up milk each day and offers menu ideas, but some of the snacks suggested (such as dried fruit, sweet
snacks and salty biscuits) do not match current recommendations
...
This website does not provide advice
in line with current recommendations in the UK and it is surprising that health professionals feel comfortable
having their names associated with it
...
efsa
...
eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3408
...


3

Current advice is for all children who are breastfed over 6 months of age and all those having less than 500ml of formula a day under 1 year of age, as
well as all 1-4 year olds, to take Healthy Start vitamin drops
...
Some
examples from Cow & Gate bloggers are shown below
...
mummyalarm
...
uk: “Growing Up Milk Info recently
invited me along to a blogger event in Bristol’s Food
Square Foundation and yesterday was the day when I put
on an apron and learned how to cook some fantastic home
cooked meals for little and not so little ones
...

Growing Up Milk Info have come up with some fabulous
infographics and material to help parents and I can’t wait
to share it with you
...
mumofthreeboys
...
Even though Oliver is 19 months now I still give him growing up 1-2 years formula
milk, there are days where he doesn’t have a very good appetite and giving him formula milk gives me that
added reassurance that he is receiving the essential nutrients of vitamins and minerals that he needs to grow
into a strong healthy boy
...
missyb-andfamily
...
As a mum of 5 (soon to be 6) I know just how important it is to make sure your
children are getting all of the nutrition that they need
...
”

9

Hipp Organic Healthcare Professional Hub – www
...
co
...
Some of the information on this site is not
produced by Hipp and is taken from Government sources
...
1136/bmj
...
From reviewing the latest evidence they believe this may increase the risk of food
allergies and iron deficiency anemia in some babies and that these babies would benefit from earlier weaning,
sometime between 4-6 months of age
...
”
“We are aware of the revised guidance from the Department of Health (January 2013) on insisting on formula
preparation at 70oC
...
We are collaborating with the
DoH to resolve any confusion over the preparation of our formulas
...
At HiPP we believe that we have sufficient documentation to support preparation of our
formulas at the temperature of 40-50°C and that when prepared at this temperature, according to our
instructions and fed to the baby immediately, the milk is safe
...
”

We say:
Despite repeated guidance from the Department of Health, Hipp are still providing unclear advice to health
professionals on how to make up formula safely
...
The confusing weaning advice
and unsupported statement on iron status and breast milk suggest that this site is not fully expert or
independent
...
in-practice
...
uk

This Cow & Gate branded website is aimed at health professionals and provides information and resources,
podcasts, careline access, discounts on some journals and information about its products
...
It also provides a ‘baby feeding product guidance and
planogram service’ (offering advice on where to put Cow & Gate products on shelves “To maximise your sales in
baby feeding”), and a ‘milk wizard’ for health professionals to help them select the best Cow & Gate product for
a baby
...


In Practice say:
“Our aim is to provide Healthcare Professionals with the resources and support they need, when they need it, and
to effectively assist their work with parents, through registration to a unique programme designed for and with
Healthcare Professionals
...
Members receive a newsletter, offers on educational items, and
priority invitations to events
...
Often, the nutrient levels are much higher in formula milks than in breastmilk … “
About infant milk for hungrier babies: “Casein forms a firmer curd in the stomach, which is digested more slowly,
helping babies feel fuller for longer
...
g
...
”
“Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, and those that do, such as oily fish and liver, are often not popular
with toddlers! This means that fortified foods have a particularly important contribution to make
...
”
“Even after a baby’s first birthday, cows’ milk may not be the best choice for the main drink
...
This site is product-promoting, encourages health professionals to select specific
products and shows pharmacists how to market the products for increased sales
...
The website cross-references to the Infant &
Toddler Forum but provides no links to Healthy Start or to Start4life
...


11

‘Lifting the Lid on Baby Food’ (2012)
This report, written by dietitian Fiona Wilcock for Cow & Gate, looks at how Cow & Gate baby food is made and
suggests the ‘baby grade ingredients’ are purer than organic ingredients, even those you might buy in a
supermarket or grow at home to make your own baby food:
“What if I grow my own?” I mused
...
No I don’t … there’s a thought …”
S I do believe there is a role for

On its website4 Cow & Gate state:
“The Pesticides Residues Committee (PRC) test foods for levels of pesticides in a range of foods
...
”
Comparing baby food samples to all organic food across all food sectors makes little sense, but it is interesting to
look at the data in some of the PRC reports over the past 8 years
...

In 2005 one of the 65 infant foods tested was found to contain residues:
H
...
Heinz Pure Baby Rice
hydrogen phosphide 0
...
01)
In 2006 two of the 72 infant food samples tested contained residues:
H
...
Heinz Casserole with Vegetables and Beef
diphenylamine 0
...
01)
Cow & Gate Vegetable and Turkey Casserole
diphenylamine 0
...
01)
The results of the Pesticide Residues Committee report in 2008 reported that, of 35 samples of infant food analysed,
residues were found in seven, and Cow & Gate had two samples at levels above the maximum residue levels:
Cow & Gate Tuna Penne (bought Asda)
diphenylamine 0
...
01)
Cow & Gate Tuna Penne (bought Tesco)
diphenylamine 0
...
01)
Cow & Gate creamy chicken infant food
diphenylamine 0
...
01)
H
...
Heinz Chicken Chasseur
diphenylamine 0
...
01)
H
...
Heinz Sweet and Sour Chicken infant food
diphenylamine 0
...
01)
H
...
Heinz Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese
diphenylamine 0
...
01)
Hipp Organic Spaghetti Bolognese
diphenylamine 0
...
01)

The Pesticide Residues Committee reported in 2012 that of 96 infant food samples analysed, only 1 had
residues
...
01 (no MRL)

http://www
...
co
...
html
http://www
...
gov
...
infantandtoddlerforum
...
This is a heavily resourced organisation that
provides factsheets, videos and resources for health professionals
...
Our aim is to identify gaps in current knowledge and areas where
information is lacking
...
Where appropriate,
we also engage with professional bodies, policy makers and industry to bring about positive changes to
nutritional policy and practice
...
The views and outputs of the group, however, remain independent of Danone Baby Nutrition and
its commercial interests
...
What the ITF fails to do, however, is to link in with other
work relevant to health professionals
...
It is essential
that health professionals have holistic, consistent support which links to other work nationally
...
There are also mistakes on some of the factsheets
...
”6
There are some statements that would not be found on independent nutrition websites
...
efsa
...
eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3408
...
infantandtoddlerforum
...
infantandtoddlerforum
...


Little People’s Plates say:
“Feeding a toddler well is a wonderful, challenging responsibility
...
”

We say:
The information provided is similar to general Government and other health information and much of it has
been adapted from work done by charities such as The Caroline Walker Trust
...

The information provided on the website does not completely support current guidance
Only vitamins A and D are mentioned as being needed supplementally and there is no mention of the Healthy
Start scheme despite its importance
...
Recommendations are made
to provide small amounts of some foods high in salt and fat (such as biscuits, sweets, crisps) when in fact none is
recommended
...

Suggestions for snacks are not in line with current guidance, which says that sweet snacks and fruit juices should
not be given as snacks, and sweetened milks such as drinking chocolate should not be given
...
infantandtoddlerforum
...
infantformula
...
It is an
international association of manufacturers and marketers of formulated nutrition products (e
...
infant formulas
and adult nutritionals) whose members are predominantly based in North America
...
Members are Abbott Nutrition, Mead Johnson Nutrition, Nestlé Infant Nutrition, Perrigo
Nutritionals, and Pfizer Nutrition
...
Choosing an infant feeding method, whether breast
milk or baby formula, is ultimately the parent’s decision
...
However, the presence of these
organisms is of minimal concern because they do not have a chance to multiply in the milk when infants are
breastfed directly or when breastmilk is expressed, refrigerated or frozen, and fed in accordance with clean
technique
...
Health care professionals can be assured that these formulas allow the infant to sustain a rapid rate of
growth and development while not stressing the infant’s developing organ systems
...
”
They have sections on their website entitled:
 Moms Have Nothing to Fear From Formula
“If mothers are forced to listen to nurses tell them about the benefits of breastfeeding, including that it is free
and convenient, it is inaccurate for them not to also be informed about the risks to their short and long-term
economic health of taking extended time away from work to devote themselves fully to their babies and
children
...
"

We say:
This site is the most undermining of breastfeeding of all the industry-sponsored sites and reflects the less well
regulated American formula milk industry
...


15

Professional Know-How – www
...
co
...
SMA is now owned by Nestlé
...

Health professionals who are not Nestlé employees involved in nutrition-related study days in 2013/2014
include:
 Maggie Evans, Health Visitor
 Sarah Donohoe, Paediatric Dietitian
 Mhairi Stanley, Paediatric Dietitian
 Tanya Wright, Paediatric Dietitian
 Charlotte Stirling-Reed, Registered Nutritionist
 Dr Julie Lanigan, Institute of Child Health
 Professor Atul Singhal, Institute Child Health
...
On
average, women will need about 500 extra calories per day while breastfeeding
...
Major
advances include the addition of nucleotides and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) to formulas and,
more recently, the improvement of protein quality (in alpha-protein enriched formula)
...
”

We say:
The website says that the Little Book of Formula is ‘unbranded and unbiased’ and can be given to parents, but
the advice on choice of milk specifically states SMA brands and information does not comply with current
Government guidance
...
Health
professionals can obtain up to date advice on infant feeding without attending sponsored study days which
promote specific formula milk brands
...
firststepsnutrition
...
org
Registered charity number 1146408

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