About the agreement
The MAIF Agreement outlines obligations for companies making and selling infant formula to ensure that:
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formula is used properly
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parents can make informed decisions.
This includes providing clear information about the:
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benefits and superiority of breastfeeding
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implications and risks of switching to formula
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health risks of the incorrect use of infant formula.
Participating companies must not:
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advertise or promote infant formula
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imply that formula is better than breastfeeding
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advertise formula to parents through the healthcare system
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hand out free formula to parents
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give financial incentives to sales staff or health workers for selling or promoting formula.
The agreement is Australia’s response to the World Health Organization’s International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.
Aim of the agreement
The MAIF Agreement aims to:
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ensure safe and adequate nutrition for babies
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encourage breastfeeding as the first option for babies
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protect parents from advertising that could affect their judgement
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ensure the proper use of breast milk substitutes.
Participating companies
The companies that have signed the agreement are:
MAIF Complaints Committee
If you believe a participating company has breached the agreement, you can lodge a complaint with the MAIF Complaints Committee with the complaint form. The committee assesses each complaint on a case-by-case basis and determines potential breaches of the agreement.