We have also established a policy of commissioning independent external audits where there have been cases of multiple, broad-scale allegations about Nestlé's adherence to the Code.

Nestlé commissioned one such audit in March 2000 after serious allegations were made against Nestlé Milkpak in Pakistan. The allegations were originally investigated in 1998 by Nestlé Milkpak and Nestlé S.A. in Switzerland. But, because the multiple allegations questioned the systems and procedures for Code compliance in Nestlé Milkpak, we decided that an independent external audit was warranted.

We have also established a policy of commissioning independent external audits where there have been cases of multiple, broad-scale allegations about Nestlé's adherence to the Code.

EME (Emerging Market Economics), a firm of economic, financial and management consultants, was commissioned to examine Nestlé Milkpak's compliance with the WHO Code. Some minor breaches of the Code were found, but these were described as violations of the "letter" of the Code, not the "spirit" of the Code. EME's conclusion was that "the Code is deeply embedded in the culture and operations of the company."

Monitoring our practices by Marisa Armada

We at Nestlé Mexico make every effort to ensure that our marketing practices for infant formula are in the best interest of infant health and meet the World Health Organisation Code and all national standards. For this reason we take allegations extremely seriously.

We welcome any information telling us if we're doing something wrong, as long as we are given enough evidence about how, where and when alleged infractions occur. This helps us to keep our practices in line with our policies, and to correct them where necessary.

If any allegations are found to have merit, we deal with them as quickly as possible and disciplinary action is taken against those responsible for breaking our policy intentionally. These actions can go from a reprimand, to freezing salary, or even dismissal, depending on the magnitude of the fault.

Some of the allegations made are found to be wrong. For example, it was alleged that in Mexico we gave free supplies of infant formula to mothers. In fact it was not Nestlé Mexico who provided samples, but the Government itself. The Government bought formula from us so they could support those mothers who need the product but can't afford to buy it.

When I was hired to work in the Infant Nutrition Unit, one of the aspects covered in my induction, on my first day at work, was how important breastfeeding is to Nestlé, since the company's foundation. It was also explained that the marketing of our infant formula is very different from the rest of the products that Nestlé sells, so as not to discourage breastfeeding.

All staff in the Infant Nutrition Unit receives a full explanation about our policy and the reasons behind it as part of their training. They regularly have meetings to discuss what may be considered a violation of the Code and to clarify any uncertainties.