Nestlé Nutrition is committed not only to enhancing quality of life, but also to ensuring the best interests of consumers. As such, we make a point of studying and reacting to the issues and claims that relate to our business. We also adhere to certain codes of practice and a philosophy that centres on the consumer's health and well being.
The WHO Code
In 1981, the World Health Assembly adopted the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes as a recommendation to all its Member States. The aim of the "WHO Code" is to protect and encourage breastfeeding and to ensure the proper use of breast-milk substitutes, when necessary.
The Code identifies breast milk as the ideal food for healthy growth and development of babies. However, it also recognizes a legitimate market for breast-milk substitutes intended for babies who are not breastfed. It states that these products should be made available through commercial and non-commercial distribution channels but should not be marketed in any way that could undermine breastfeeding.
Our commitment to encouraging breastfeeding
In his “Treatise on Nutrition”, produced soon after establishing his company in 1867, Henri Nestlé stated that breastfeeding was best for babies. Today, the WHO Code and its national implementation are at the foundation of our infant nutrition business. We have rigorous systems and procedures to ensure compliance.
On product labels and via educational materials given to health professionals, we strive to help inform pregnant women and mothers of the benefits and superiority of breastfeeding, as it is not only the best, but also the most economical food for babies. And when a safe alternative to breast milk is needed, we provide specific Nestlé infant formula products. Our product labels and educational materials instruct mothers and health professionals on correct preparation methods and warn them of the consequences of inappropriate use of infant formula.
Nestlé Best in Class in report on "The Infant Food Industry and the WHO Code"
In addition to internal auditing processes which closely examine a sample of Nestlé companies every year, we have put in place a robust, self-controlling ISO like “Code Management System” in developing countries.
Moreover, we commission external audits by well-know social audit firms with expertise in this area, and shared their results widely.
Recently, GES Investment Services, Northern Europe's leading analysis firm for socially responsible investments published a report on "The Infant Food Industry and the WHO Code". This report is the first of its kind assessing and comparing infant food companies' compliance procedures with respect to the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.
The report concluded: "Nestlé has the most elaborated policies and mechanisms to address the Code, distinctly ahead of its peers". Nestlé received Best in Class ratings in three out of four areas: Policy, Program, Compliance and Third Party Verification.
Read more about Nestlé and the WHO code.
Quality and safety
Quality and food safety are essential prerequisites for the ongoing success of our company. All our products and services adhere to every laws and regulations, as well as to our own strictest quality and safety standards which are non negotiable.
Read more about the Nestlé Quality System
On-Pack Communication
Nestlé's product packaging is designed to empower consumers so they can make more informed purchasing decisions. We realize that our consumers have specific nutritional needs - and in many instances, our products are their sole source of nutrition. For this reason, our packaging clearly communicates the key information consumers require: the health benefit of the product, supporting scientific evidence and other relevant nutritional data.
Three guiding principles form the basis for all On-Pack Nutrition Communication:
- Simplicity
Nutrition information must be presented using words, symbols and concepts that can be easily understood by consumers.
- Transparency
Nutrition information must be appropriate and must give the consumer a clear picture of what is in the product and what to expect from it.
- Clarity
On-pack nutrition labelling must present information in a way that clearly identifies and separates the different types of information provided.
In this context, Nestlé Nutrition has created a Nutritional Compass which will figure on every single product packaging pack and guide consumers on their journey to Nutrition, Health and Wellness.