From: utzoo!decvax!minow
Newsgroups: net.misc
Title: Re: Nestles Boycott
Article-I.D.: decvax.443
Posted: Tue Mar 22 18:47:50 1983
Received: Wed Mar 23 07:44:22 1983
References: cbosgd.3314

There were a number of issues involved in the Nestle's boycott:
1.  Formula samples were given to new mothers in hospitals by
    people dressed in nurses uniforms.  After using the free
    sample for a few weeks, mothers could no longer nurse their
    infants:  they must continue to use formula.  Formula was
    marketed as the modern way to nurse and the mothers could
    easily get the idea that their children would grow up
    tall and strong just like the Europeans and Americans.

2.  The formula was expensive and, for poor people, it was
    often the case that it would be over-diluted, consequently
    undernourshing the infant.

3.  Mothers milk transmits a range of hormones, enzimes, and
    antibodies which are lacking in powdered formula.  Thus,
    the infant may have to acquire immunity to the endemic
    diseases "the hard way".

Martin Minow
decvax!minow