These new reports from WHO document evidence of widespread inappropriate promotion of baby and toddler foods. Despite the WHO Guidance on ending inappropriate promotion of foods for infants and young children agreed in 2016 and nearly 40 years since the introduction of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, many companies that manufacture or distribute commercial baby foods fail to comply with these rules.
More than ever, robust government action is needed to fully implement the International Code and WHO’s Guidance. The latter recommends the development and utilization of nutrient profile models to help differentiate between foods that form a healthy or unhealthy diet.