challenging illegal formula packaging - sorry if this has already been posted but this is from the CEO of the NCT

[harpsichordcuddler]

"The NCT has been given a clear view from LACORS (the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services that some infant formula packaging currently on store shelves is illegal under current regulations.

In order for it to be removed from sale there needs to be a prosecution or threatened prosecution. Local Trading Standards Officers are the people who would bring a prosecution, but to do this they need to receive large numbers of complaints from across the UK.

Would you help? This is your chance to make a real difference.

Next time you are in a supermarket or chemist, check out the infant formula packs (this formula is labelled as ?suitable from birth?) and read the wording.

The wording we are informed is illegal is

? Formulated to be nutritionally close to breastmilk
? With omega 3 LCP,s
? Closer Than Ever to Breastmilk
? Inspired by breastmilk

You may find other wording which is similar.

Send photos or a description to your trading standards office (you can locate your nearest using this link)

Scotland www.scotss.org.uk/scotss2.htm

England www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/consumers/clegis.cfm

Wales www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/env_services/tradingstandards/

N Ireland www.detini.gov.uk/cgi-bin/get_builder_page?page=61&site=9&parent=110

Channel islands www.gov.je/EconomicDevelopment/TradingStandards/

With a note to say

?These packs were on display in my local xxxxxxx on date xxxxx and I believe them to be illegal under current legislation because of the wording on the packs.
Please note the words

[INSERT WORDING ON PACK]

My information is that this wording is likely to be illegal. Please would you follow this up for me and let me know the outcome. ?

They will do the rest. You don?t need to explain why you think it is illegal or comment any further ? just report it. The body from whom local TSOs take their lead has already advised us that this packaging is illegal. Your letter will push them to act."

OK. So why don't you like me?

I find you abrasive, confrontational and obtuse.

You have ignored posters on this very thread saying they were misled by formula manufacturer claims.

And you have missed the point of the thread - formula companies refuse to back up their claims, those claims are illegal and therefore they ought not to be making them on their packaging.

As for "breast is best" appearing on all their packaging - yes, it does. In tiny letters. On the back.

You seem to want to make this about bf evangelism v the poor downtrodden getting a rough deal from the smug bfing mafia ffing mums who are doing their best and have healthier kids than the snotty bf ones anyway actually.

When it's not.

And I mind that.

Plus the yuck at walking talking bf stuff I object to as well.

That do?

Most people have chosen the 'latter' on this thread.

There are many many peer reviewed studies and research that show that b/fed babies are healthier, with effects being evident from birth right through to adulthood.

The WHO has a whole host of this research and information should you wish to do the intelligent thing and look it up. Unlike formula companies, who seem to want to keep secret the studies they have made into how much better their product is compared to others, and display their 'facts' in pretty, dumbed-down graphs.

Of course the formula companies are misleading parents. If you cared to look at the facts rounded up by the Baby Milk Action group, you will see evidence of this. Certainly more so in the Philippines, where the US has managed to get a high court to overturn a ruling on banning formula advertising, through threats of embargos. The adverts run on tv out there make outrageous claims - go have a look for yourself.

Its all very well for you to say that things are being "inferred". Of course, you can say what you like. It is very clear to me, without inferring anything, you havent checked out the facts, you are blindly resolute to reassuring yourself that you are an intelligent woman who made "the right choice". Good for you I say. You are still wrong about formula companies.

I'm completely underwhelmed at the idea that printing "breast is best" on a formula tin is enough to ensure that formula companies are being open and honest.

They print it because they have to, and they're happy to print it because they know that it means eff all.

Plus, I didnt much care for the "weird" comment regarding extended breastfeeding either.

Smacks of ignorance. Unless you'd like to infer it was borne of something else?

I could liken it to warnings on fag packets, but I'm not that dim

Are you inferring that cigarettes are bad for your health?

A little bit.

What I'm not in any way doing is likening fags to formula.

Just that putting a statutory message on your product doesn't mean you want it there.

Au contraire Hunker, I think if I were marketing formula, I'd be delighted to put "breast is best" on my tin.

It looks nice: "See how fair and truthful I am being!"

While meaning zip all.

It's totally irrelevant information for anyone who can't bf.
It's totally useless advice for anyone struggling to bf.
It's totally unhelpful information for anyone wondering what's actually in the tin.

Even if you put it in REALLY big letters, inside a box with a thick black border?

Wow, and yet, people still smoke? Craaaaaaaaaazy.

[obtuse]

Ah, yes, WM, good point.

I just want some proper research done into what is in each formula, so women can make a decent decision if they do have to/choose to use formula, not one based on hearsay.

But apparently that's not on, because women aren't brainwashed into using formula and all the information is there if you're clever enough to know where to look and anyone who says otherwise doesn't exist (I'm paraphrasing various posters on this thread).

How odd.

Well, I am hugely sorry, VVVQV because I like you and always have done.

But there is no evidence that bf babies in adulthood are healthier. Health has got everything to do with genetics and fuck all to do with milk.

When it comes to parenting, this issue is a tiny quotient. You are evangelizing, whether you know it or not.

And yes, you can loath me for it .. but I would rather suffer a cold day in hell than have a child of mine remember breastfeeding.

It is one thing to breastfeed upwards of a year. I can understand why a successful bf would want to continue. But I'll be fucked if I want my kid to ask for my tit.

Why? What is wrong with b/feeding? Why shouldnt a child remember such a magical,natural thing?

And I'm afraid that there has been research completed that does indicate that b/fed babies are less likely to suffer heart disease later in life. Its not 100% guarantee - nothing ever is. Genetics of course play a huge part in it.

However, lifestyle also makes a huge difference to what may trigger some genetic disorders, and what may keep them at bay. That includes what you eat - right from the start.

I dont loathe you at all by the way.

I do think you are blinkered about b/feeding - not just about the basic facts and health 'benefits' (they arent benefits as such since b/milk is natural...), but also about your apparent disgust at children feeding beyond a year.

Desi, you're very wrong, I'm afraid.

BF reduces diabetes risk And not just in babies either. And that's just a quick google and skimread - there's stacks more out there.

As for your comments about extended breastfeeding - imagine if I'd said "but I would rather suffer a cold day in hell than have a child of mine fed formula."

Or "But I'll be fucked if I want my kid to ask for a bottle."

I really would like to know why a child shouldnt be allowed to remember snuggling up close to his/her mother and feeding?

What is better about a child remembering having a rubber teat stuck in his mouth, or asking for his milk/bottle?

Cuddling is okay though, right? Or isnt it?

desiderata - you wrote "But there is no evidence that bf babies in adulthood are healthier. Health has got everything to do with genetics and fuck all to do with milk."

I'd love to know your info sources on this as you'd revolutionize scientific thinking if it were true.

kami - support is also a huge factor.

Unfortunately, formula advertising often replaces training, and information updates for health professionals, which why often health professionals often "recommend" brands or topping up.

Some might even say, that with all the bits and pieces they are 'gifted' by formula companies, they are bribed.......

dd1 breastfeeds all her toys. She won't remember being bf because she self-weaned at 19 months, but she's seen me bf her sister a few million times and she takes it completely for granted.

It's my fervent hope that she remembers all this when she grows up, because, desi, how she feeds her own children will be her business, but I would be horrified to hear her making the sort of damaging remarks that you are making here.

Desi, can you really not see how offensive you're being?

Kami, even if you had the figures for women choosing to bf, you wouldn't get the full picture of how much formula advertising sways women's decisions.

Over 80% of women who stop bfing in the first six weeks didn't want to stop.

A fair number of them stop because they're comforted by the "closer to bmilk" slogans on the tins (not just the wording itself - the fact that it'll have been seen by those advising them - health professionals, mothers, MILs, partners, well-meaning friends, etc, etc).