International Code of Marketing of
Breast-milk Substitutes
AWHONN supports the goals the World Health Organization (WHO) set forth in the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes released in 1981 in an effort to improve substandard infant feeding practices that cause
infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The Code provides recommendations related to the marketing and distribution of infant formula, other milk products, foods and beverages, feeding bottles, and artificial nipples that may interfere with the protection and promotion of breastfeeding (WHO, 1981). AWHONN recognizes that marketing practices must be scrutinized since
marketing may influence women’s choices and
societal opinions related to infant feeding.