Nestlé puts all this information on all infant formula products, in line with the WHO recommendations and national regulations. All tins and packets of infant formula contain the phrase "breastfeeding is best for your baby" and the labels include clear instructions on how to prepare the formula. These instructions are also presented pictorially to ensure the important information is properly understood.

The Code specifies that the label should be printed in "an appropriate language." However we recognise that more than one language will be needed in some countries. Where there are dozens of languages, it can be difficult defining the most "appropriate language." The best way of deciding which language(s) should be used is to discuss it with the Government of each country.

In 1999, we changed our labelling policy after concerns were raised that, in some countries, the most appropriate languages were not being used. We now ensure that, subject to government approval, the "primary common language" is used, either on its own or together with other languages that are widely spoken. This is because the "official language" of a country might not necessarily be the most widely spoken or common language.

This policy is implemented regardless of pack size - if, on smaller pack sizes, there is not enough room for all necessary languages, we make sure that the instructions are inside.

Labelling in South Africa by Pindelwa Mda

South Africa is a good example of how it is not always easy to get the language requirement right on our labels. But we now think we have got it right.

South Africa has eleven spoken languages. The South African government has stated that they require labels on infant formula products to be in one of the eleven spoken languages. English and Afrikaans are the languages primarily taught in schools and are therefore recognised by the majority of literate South Africans.

Previously Nestlé produced the majority of labels for the South African market in English, with the mixing instructions in one or two other languages. Since the beginning of 2000, we have produced labels and instructions for larger packs in English, Afrikaans, Zulu and Sesotho, whilst the smaller packs have English, Afrikaans and Zulu translations.

We are currently developing other labels to carry four languages, regardless of the size of the pack.