The general process for government-recognised monitoring bodies is quite simple. Interested parties bring their complaints (as required by the Code) to the monitoring body, and the companies investigate their validity and take action if required. The government keeps a watchful eye to make sure that all parties are fulfilling their responsibilities. Thus far seven countries have formally established Code monitoring bodies, which serve as learning models for other countries. (Nestlé markets infant formula in all countries except New Zealand).

Switzerland

Co-operation between the public sector, private sector and NGOs on Code implementation has operated effectively in Switzerland since 1995. The Code Panel is approved by the Swiss Government and is comprised of the Breastfeeding Task Force of the Swiss National Committee for UNICEF and those infant food manufacturers that have signed the Swiss Code. The Code Panel meets regularly to examine alleged violations and to provide a practical communications channel for furtherance of the Code.

The Philippines

An Inter-Agency Committee was created by Executive Order 51, also known as the Philippine Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. The Committee is chaired by the Secretary of Health and also comprises the Secretary of Trade and Industry, the Secretary of Justice and the Secretary of Social Welfare. The Committee reviews the printing, publication, distribution or broadcast of advertising materials for breast-milk substitutes and products within the scope of the Philippine Code. It reviews alleged violations of the Code and determines appropriate sanctions if the Code is broken. The penalties for Code violation can be fines, suspension or revocation of business license to operate or even a prison sentence.

Zimbabwe

Implementation of the Zimbabwe Code is in the hands of the Infant Nutrition Committee, set up in 1998 by the Minister of Health and Child Welfare. The committee's membership is a cross section of interested parties, including state-employed health workers, private practice health workers, La Leche League, infant food manufacturers, the Ministry of Information, the Standards Association of Zimbabwe and the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe. The Managing Director of Nestlé Zimbabwe has been appointed Vice Chairman of the Committee.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, the Ministry of Health set up the National Committee on the Code of Ethics for Infant Formula Products assisted by the Vetting Committee and the Disciplinary Committee at the national level.

Singapore

The Sale of Infant Foods Ethics Committee Singapore (SIFECS), created by the Ministry of Health, has representatives of government organisations, a consumers' group and the infant food industry.

Australia

The Advisory Panel for the Marketing in Australia of Infant Formula (APMAIF) receives and investigates complaints regarding the supply and marketing of infant formula. It also develops guidelines for the application of the agreement by manufacturers and importers for the marketing in Australia of infant formulas, and on any subsequent relevant agreement.

New Zealand

The Compliance Panel for the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes makes decisions on New Zealand's interpretation of the WHO Code and advises on appropriate corrective action in case of breach.