NZ Infant Formula Brand 'Being Put At Risk'

NZ Infant Formula Brand 'Being Put At Risk'

New Zealand’s infant formula export brand is being put at risk by inexperienced companies cashing in on booming demand from China, says Infant Nutrition Council CEO Jan Carey.

“Recent media reports have highlighted that companies that lack basic supply chain integrity are threatening New Zealand’s reputation as a producer of the highest quality infant formula, and the industry and government agencies must work together to guard that reputation,” Mrs Carey says.

The Infant Nutrition Council (INC) represents some of the biggest and most respected food companies in the world, as well as local manufacturers producing formula for export, and works with government to ensure food standards are aligned with international practice and that breastfeeding is protected.

New Zealand’s Associate Minister of Health Jo Goodhew said recently that the Government recognises INC’s marketing Code of Practice “as an industry standard and expects all infant formula manufacturers and marketers in New Zealand to meet this standard”.  The INC also has a Code of Conduct, which covers the integrity of the industry, including company conduct and preventing false and misleading claims, covers food regulations, standards, and food safety issues, and supports breastfeeding as the preferred nutrition for babies.

“The New Zealand industry needs a united approach and any company that seeks to market infant formula brands should be required to comply with agreed industry standards such as both INC codes,” Ms Carey says.

“The problem we are seeing in China is not one of composition of New Zealand-manufactured formula, because it is among the best in the world, and food safety regulations here and in China are strict and have proven effective. The issues the industry is facing are around some claims that have been made.

“If the Asian boom for infant formula continues, the opportunity for supply from New Zealand will grow, but it must be done properly. We have to remember we are making food for babies. Infant formula is very delicate and we must make certain that the fears of parents are not exploited for commercial gain.

“Whether infant formula is marketed in New Zealand or overseas, we must do everything to ensure short-term opportunism by some individuals or companies does not damage the trust among international consumers that New Zealand produces safe, healthy and sustainably manufactured  food,” said Ms Carey.

About the Infant Nutrition Council

INC comprises the major manufacturers and marketers of infant formula in Australia and New Zealand as well as those who produce it for export to China and other Asian countries, including Abbott, Bayer, HJ Heinz, Nestle, Nutricia, Fonterra, Synlait, New Image, Westland, and Dairy Goat Co-operative.  Members must adhere to the INC Code of Conduct, which supports the integrity of the industry, and the INC Code of Practice for the Marketing of Infant Formula in New Zealand.

ENDS

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