Nestlé supports the best start in life for babies. This means protecting and promoting breastfeeding and ensuring that when alternatives are needed, these are of the highest quality.

Nestlé recognises that the WHO Code is an important instrument for the protection of infant health. As a matter of principle, we follow local legislation or other national measures implementing the WHO Code in all countries around the world.

However, we acknowledge that there is a heightened need to protect children in some countries with greater public health concerns. In these 'higher-risk' countries, we voluntarily apply the WHO Code as a minimum requirement, whether or not national regulations exist.

The designation of a country as 'higher-risk' is based on reliable data on levels of mortality and rates of acute malnutrition of children under 5 years of age.

Nestlé’s voluntary application of the WHO Code in higher-risk countries covers the marketing of any product marketed as a breast-milk substitute, or for consumption during the first sixth months of life, as well as follow-on formula (6 to 12 months).

In practice, this means that in higher-risk countries, Nestlé:

• Does not advertise follow-on formula for infants up to 12 months of age.
• Does not give free supplies of infant formula to hospitals.
• Does not market cereals and baby foods for infants younger than 6 months.
• Carries out independent, external audits and reports on their results.
• Publicly responds to allegations of non-compliance.
  

Read Nestlé Infant Formula Policy in higher-risk countries.

Access the list of higher- and lower-risk countries.