The WHO Code was implemented by the South African Government in 1986 as the "South African Code of Ethics for Marketing for Breast-milk Substitutes" and the Department of Health is responsible for monitoring its implementation. There has recently been some discussion about revising the Code, but the Director General of Health has confirmed that "until such time the present Code and the interpretation and monitoring thereof will be retained".

Nestlé South Africa is committed to the Code of Ethics for Marketing and we go to great lengths to ensure full compliance. We do make mistakes, but we have good mechanisms to make sure that we find them and correct them swiftly. As part of Nestlé's new monitoring process with governments around the world, we have received letters from the South African government and three major provincial governments. The letters provide evidence of our compliance with the Code. However, many allegations about Nestlé's marketing practices in South Africa still persist. Here are some of the most common allegations which, on inspection, have been proven to be misinformation.

Myth: Some mothers have received free samples of infant formula from Nestlé in South Africa.

Reality: A campaign group report stated that three mothers had received free Nestlé infant formula. This is true, but does not give the whole picture. The Nestlé formula actually came from the Government Department of Health as part of its initiative to address protein energy malnutrition. This government programme involved procuring infant formula on tender from manufacturers including Nestlé and, where deemed necessary by health officials, giving it free to mothers whose children were suffering from protein energy malnutrition.

Myth: In violation of article 7.4 of the Code, Nestlé gave breast-milk substitutes to health workers in South Africa.

Reality: After investigation, it became apparent that these allegations referred to four samples of infant cereals, which are complementary foods rather than breast-milk substitutes and therefore not covered by the WHO Code. A letter dated 20 May 1999 by the Director General Health, Department of Health, states - "according to the South African Code the definition of breast-milk substitutes as being infant formula only, is still being maintained."

Myth: An advocacy group and a provincial Department of Health employee in the Western Cape Province claim that Nestlé violated the Code by recommending infant cereals to be introduced starting between 4-6 months of age. This has been reported in campaign literature in the UK as a case of the South African Department of Health calling on Nestlé to change its labels on follow on formula and cereals.

Reality: WHO reaffirmed in a written statement to the June 1999 WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission meeting, that it recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to 4-6 months, and has not changed its recommendation to 6 months, as some have reported.

The Director General of Health of the South African Government clarified in writing in 1999 that "the recommended age of 4 to 6 months versus the age of about 6 months, as stated by WHO is still being maintained in South Africa."

Nestlé's labels thus comply with the stated current recommendations of WHO and with the South African Code of Ethics for the Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. Should any change occur in the South African Code regarding labelling, Nestlé will adjust accordingly (Breastfeeding Guidelines for Health Workers issued on April 20, 2000 by the South African Health Department are being discussed regarding possible implications for the South African Code).