WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2631/97 by Roberta ANGELILLI to the Commission. The sale of milk powder by the Swiss multinational Nestlè in third world countries
Date: 1997-09-01
Institutions: ANGELILLI, European Parliament
Subjects: Switzerland, World Health Organisation, baby food, developing countries, early childhood, food substitute, international trade, multinational enterprise, powdered milk, public health













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91997E2631

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2631/97 by Roberta ANGELILLI to the Commission. The sale of milk powder by the Swiss multinational Nestlè in third world countries  


Official Journal C 102 , 03/04/1998 P. 0079 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2631/97 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (1 September 1997)Subject: The sale of milk powder by the Swiss multinational Nestlè in third world countriesRecent statistics show that the Swiss multinational Nestlè is one of the leading agri-foodstuffs companies in the world, with 500 establishments in 66 countries, 200 000 employees and turnover of around LIT 70 000 billion per annum. Nestlè also sells 25% of its products to the southern hemisphere and controls between 35% and 50% of the world market in children's food. Moreover, it appears that, because of the use of rather unscrupulous marketing techniques, it has often breached the International Code drawn up by UNICEF and the World Health Organization which was adopted in 1981 by the World Health Assembly to protect children's health.Recent WHO studies indeed contradict the information supplied by Nestlè concerning formula milk, and it is estimated that over 4000 children in the southern hemisphre could be saved every day from death caused by illness and malnutrition if they had been breastfed rather than being given powdered milk. Despite this, Nestlè appears to be continuing to breach the above-mentioned Code because it is unwilling to give up its share of the market in children's milk powder.1. Can the Commission therefore state whether it is aware of this matter?2. If so, have the Community institutions ever criticized the behaviour of Nestlè or other major companies in similar cases?3. Can the Commission confirm the existence of WHO studies or reports into the adverse aspects of giving formula milk?4. What instruments exist at Community level for monitoring the commercial activities of multinational giants such as Nestlè?5. Can the Commission give a detailed viewpoint on this matter?Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (25 September 1997)In general the superiority of breast-feeding is recognised and should be actively promoted in the Community. However when mothers do not breast-feed, or do so partially, there is a legitimate market for breast-milk substitutes (infant formulae). Community legislation is based on these principles.Directive 91/321/EEC ((OJ L 175, 4.7.1991. )) as amended by Directive 96/4/EC on infant formulae and follow on formulae ((OJ L 49, 28.2.1996. )) regulates the compositional requirements and the marketing practices for these products within the Community. The application of these rules in the Member States is the responsibility of national authorities.The Community, for obvious reasons, could not adopt extraterritorial legislation concerning the marketing practices in third countries for these products. A Council resolution on the marketing of breast-milk substitutes in third countries by Community-based manufacturers ((OJ C 172, 8.7.1992. )) encourages compliance with the World health organisation (WHO) code and offered to examine any complaints or criticisms with respect to the marketing practices of a manufacturer based in the Community that would be notified by the authorities of third countries. No such complaints or criticisms have been received to date.