CANBERRA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has re-authorized an agreement between manufacturers and importers of infant formula that prohibits them from advertising and promoting formula for babies under 12 months of age directly to the public.
In a statement on Friday, ACCC said this five-year agreement is designed to promote breastfeeding in Australia, which has significant public health benefits.
The Marketing in Australia of Infant Formula: Manufacturers and Importers Agreement (MAIF) has been authorized by the ACCC since 1992.
MAIF is the primary means by which the Australian government has chosen to give effect to the World Health Organization's International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.
The ACCC said in assessing this most recent application for re-authorization, it has taken into account a wide number of views from interested parties regarding ways the MAIF Agreement could be improved.
While most interested parties were of the view that the MAIF Agreement should continue to be authorized, views differed on the appropriate length of time for authorization given anticipated changes to WHO recommendations on these issues. Views ranged from a two-year authorization period to a ten year period.
"After careful consideration and balancing the various views put forward, the ACCC has decided to grant authorization of the MAIF Agreement for a further five years," ACCC Commissioner Sarah Court said. Enditem
