WALC CONFERENCE EXHIBITOR POLICY
WALC complies with the
International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes
WHAT IS THE
INTERNATIONAL CODE OF MARKETING
OF BREASTMILK SUBSTITUTES
The MAIN POINTS in the Code include:
no advertising of breast-milk substitutes and other related products to the public;
no donations of free or subsidized supplies of breast-milk substitutes or related products in any part of the health care system;
no gifts or personal samples to health workers of breastmilk substitutes or related products;
no pictures of infants, or other pictures or text idealizing artificial feeding, on the labels of the products;
information to health workers should only be scientific and factual;
information on artificial feeding should explain the importance of breastfeeding, the health hazards associated with artificial feeding and the costs of using artificial feeding
A copy of the FULL Code can be found by following this link: https://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/code_english.pdf
Which products fall under the scope of the Code?
The Code applies to breast milk substitutes (infant formula) when marketed or otherwise represented to be suitable, with or without modification, for use as a partial or total replacement of breast milk. Special formulas for infants with special medical or nutritional needs also fall under the scope of the Code.
The Code applies to feeding bottles, teats and soothers.
WALC is governed by its Bylaws, which require recognition and support of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (International Code of Marketing), as interpreted by the World Health Assembly.
Conference participants who perceive that a violation of the WALC Exhibitor Policy has occurred are encouraged to immediately bring their complaint to the attention of the WALC Exhibitor Chairperson.
Compliance with WALC Exhibitor Policy at the Conference
1. If an Exhibitor violates WALC’s Exhibitor Policy, the violator may be asked to:
a. Remove or correct the products or media in violation of the WALC Exhibitor Policy;
b. Immediately close the exhibit;
c. Remain responsible for all unpaid fees, costs, and expenses incurred in connection with its WALC-related promotional activity;
d. Forfeit all claims to fees paid to any party in connection with its promotional activities.
Conference Cancellation
This agreement is automatically terminated in the event the WALC Conference is canceled due to causes that are beyond reasonable control (i.e., acts of God, war, terrorism, government regulations, disasters, fire, strikes, civil disorder, curtailment of transportation facilities or other similar cause beyond the control of parties making it inadvisable, illegal or impossible to hold the Conference.) WALC will determine an equitable basis for the refund of such a portion of the exhibit fees, after due consideration of expenditures and commitments.
Thank you.