Council resolution on the marketing practices for breast-milk substitutes in developing countries by Community-based manufacturers(86/C 285/08)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, Whereas the Commission has submitted a report on infant feeding and the implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and a draft proposal for a Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to infant formulae and follow-up milks; Whereas in May 1981 the 34th World Health Assembly adopted as a recommendation the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes; Whereas a considerable volume of these products are sold to developing countries by Community-based manufacturers; Whereas it is considered very important that marketing practices in developing countries should not discourage mothers from breastfeeding; Whereas the application of the International Code provides without doubt an excellent way to achieve this in these countries; Whereas the Community cannot legislate for these countries; Whereas the Community can offer an effective support to the competent authorities of these countries in their efforts to apply the International Code in their territory, HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION: 1. The Community will contribute, in so far as it is able, to the application of appropriate marketing practices for breast-milk substitutes in developing countries. 2. For the implementation of point 1, the Commission will instruct its delegations in the developing countries to serve as contact points for the competent authorities. Any complaints or criticisms with respect to the marketing practices of a manufacturer based in the Community could be notified to them. 3. The Commission will be ready to examine such cases and to assist in the search for a satisfactory solution for all parties concerned. 4. This resolution shall be communicated by the Commission to the countries concerned through the official channels.