Invited to contribute to review of MAIF (marketing of infant formulas)

[Lenny]

Cool aye!

I got a letter to let me know that the Dept of Health and Ageing is conducting a review of the Marketing in Australia of Infant Formulas AND it's overseeing Advisory Panel.

I hope i can make a bit of a difference...

[PumpkinZulu]

That is very cool You could definitely make a difference.

[PumpkinZulu]

I can't believe nobody else responded to this. It must have been missed. Please keep at leaste updated on how yyou go Lenny

[meow]

Awesome! Can I ask, why you? I'm curious what you do now

I just saw an ad for infant formula (not toddler milk) on TV in the US this morning. Spun me out

[Maruschke]

What kind of thing are you going to say, Lenny?

I mostly FF DD1 and there are some things I would have liked info on that became very hard to find. e.g. the difference between the different formulas, the benefit (or not?) of adding iron. What to do if your child gets sick on one. When to think about soy / lactose free / etc etc. I know advertising formula for little ones isn't acceptable, but once you ARE a FF'er, there does seem to be a lack of info out there.

I also think it is subtle how they advertise the toddler formula by saying "if you choose to move on from breastfeeding or mix feed" well uhh... that is how most babies become FF. I don't know what I would suggest they replace it with, but that phrase bugs me somehow.

Just my two cents .

[OceanPrincess]

I've been "invited" too - but I thought it was open to everyone? My ABA group posted the link.

[Lenny]

Awesome! Can I ask, why you? I'm curious what you do now

I have previously been vocal to the Dept of Health regarding infant formula in particular relation to my local MCH centre who had displays out and free samples etc. I approached the local council, the ABA and the Dept of Health. I'm sure i got put on some 'stirrer' register somewhere!!

If it's a free-for-all, then we should post the link and get lots of us fantastically brilliant BB ladies to respond.

[Nai]

That sounds great - I think that there should be the iformation available for people to make decisions based on which formula to use (like Marushke required) but marketing and advertising are completely different IMO.

[onthefly]

I saw the survey. I wasn't sure what to put for the APMAIF bit - I don't know anything about how they operate except that they include representatives from the manufacturers on the board....

[Heaven]

Yes, I got the link from ABA too: Department of Health and Ageing - The review of the effectiveness and validity of the operations of the MAIF Agreement

[Lenny]

I put 'unsure' as far as the questions regarding the panel. I also have no idea how the operate.

[onthefly]

Today is the last day you can have your say