The code is seen as the minimum requirement to protect health practices in infant and young child feeding. A Historical Perspective Over the years, the LLLI Board of Directors has become increasingly aware of the global issues involved in protecting breastfeeding worldwide. In February 1988, the Board also directed LLLI to cooperate and network with other key breastfeeding organizations around the world and to lend strong US support to struggling countries. In October 1988, the Board voted to support the efforts of the American Academy of Pediatrics for their policy opposing direct advertising of infant formula to the public, recognizing it as a positive step toward increasing the incidence and duration of breastfeeding in the United States. This move will undoubtedly lend support to breastfeeding worldwide.
Similar boycotts are underway in other countries.
Nestle is singled out because it is the largest manufacturer and marketer of breast milk substitutes in developing countries, and because their practices are deemed as the most harmful. Nestle is not willing to end the marketing practice of providing free samples of formula to hospitals and maternities unless forced to do so by law. The boycott also includes American Home Products because they have been identified as one of the major violators of the WHO Code. Some of you probably remember the previous Nestle boycott which took place from 1977 to 1984. In 1984, the boycott was lifted when Nestle agreed to discontinue its harmful practices.