Nestlé CEO Peter Brabeck-Letmathe has called on non-governmental organisations to join WHO-brokered discussions on the implementation of the WHO Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.

Speaking at the Oxford University European Affairs Society last month, Peter Brabeck said Nestlé had indicated its willingness to participate in the WHO's new process of dialogue, instituted by WHO Director-General, Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland. He said that Dr Brundtland was 'still waiting' to hear whether campaign groups would accept her invitation to join 'open and transparent' dialogue with interested parties.

Brabeck said that the root of disagreement over infant formula was the interpretation of the WHO Code and he recognised that some organisations have a different view of the Code and its application. "To those organisations, we say 'please join us at the table at the World Health Organisation and let's resolve our differences."

Peter Brabeck's speech, entitled 'Beyond Corporate Image: the Search for Trust', addressed the issue of infant formula marketing in some detail. He recognized that, in the past, Nestlé had not handled the issue "with consummate skill" and that things were done which "showed a lack of understanding for the concern which many people had about the issue." He also recognized that NGOs have a legitimate role to play in bringing manufacturers' and governments' attentions to violations of the Code.

But he stressed that the promotion and implementation of the Code in countries around the world depended on a spirit of co-operation, which he was determined to foster. All three main players - governments, industry and NGOs - need to work together to promote the Code.

Brabeck said that Nestlé was committed to the Code and emphasised that he personally reviews each violation identified and decides on action to be taken. He also highlighted instances where Nestlé goes far beyond mere Code implementation and actively supports public health and breastfeeding initiatives in countries around the world.

After his speech, Peter Brabeck answered questions from the audience. In response to one particular question, about labelling of infant formula in Malawi, Peter Brabeck recognized that Nestlé had 'taken too long' to develop a suitable label in Chechewa (a Malawi language). He said that he had now taken the decision to get the Chechewa-labelled product on the market immediately. The label has been reviewed by the government and has been launched, assuming final approval of minor language changes suggested in the past reviews.