Welcome to NZIFMA homepage
P O Box 6177
Wellesley Street
Auckland
NEW ZEALAND
Ph (09) 354 3272
Fax (09) 354 3273
e-mail: jancarey@nzifma.org.nz
Nutrition plays a dominant role in ensuring optimum development in the first year of life. For the first months, milk in some form is the only source of nourishment, so having the right milk is essential.
Breastfeeding is the best and the universally preferred method of providing milk. Exclusive breastfeeding is the most appropriate source of nourishment to around 6 months of age.
Parents need to consider carefully the method of feeding their baby. If it is decided not to breastfeed, if breastfeeding is not possible, or if breastfeeding is being discontinued or reduced before one year of age, it is important to use a specifically formulated infant or follow-on formula. Infants under 12 months of age should not be given unmodified cow's milk in any form.
In the 6-12 month period, follow-on formulas will help prevent iron deficiency which is so common during that period. Gradual introduction of iron-containing "solids" during this period will also help prevent iron deficiency, which is recognised to have a substantial deleterious effect on baby's development.
If formula is to be used, it is very important that parents learn how to reconstitute the product and how to feed it correctly. Essential Information about Formula Feeding can be found here.
Please read the statements about the role of NZIFMA, and about how we ensure that the marketing of infant formulas in New Zealand is kept in accord with national and international obligations.
Role of NZIFMA
The New Zealand Infant Formula Marketers' Association (NZIFMA) represents the four companies marketing infant formula and follow-on formula in New Zealand.
NZIFMA works closely with the Ministry of Health and infant formula companies on all matters relating to code development and marketing compliance. The NZIFMA is represented on the Ministry's compliance panel, which considers any complaints received from the general public alleging breaches of the industry code.
The companies acknowledge that:
1. Breastfeeding is the optimum method of infant feeding from birth and should be encouraged wherever possible.
2. All mothers should enjoy the basic freedom to make their own decisions about how to feed their babies, with the help of their health advisor and with access to factual information.
NZIFMA, in conjunction with its Australian counterpart (IFMAA) and on behalf all infant formula companies, coordinates all industry submissions on food standards developed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
NZIFMA endorses the commitments of the International Association of Infant Food Manufacturers.
Code of Marketing
Practice
The NZIFMA Code of Marketing Practice formalised in 1997 in consultation with the Ministry of Health is based on:
(i) the World Health Organization's International Code of Marketing Breast-milk Substitutes (WHO Code)
(ii) the Interpretation of the WHO Code in New Zealand - refer to Ministry of Health Publication: Guidelines for New Zealand Health Workers (June 1997 - ISBN 0-478-09487-6)
Click here for details of the 2007 NZIFMA Code of Practice, which includes the Ministry of Health complaints procedures.
The NZIFMA and the Ministry of Health are currently reviewing the NZ Interpretation of the WHO Code. After public consultation, the updated NZ Code will be published on this website and code booklets will be distributed by the Ministry of Health to all stakeholders.
Member companies and
their links
Bayer (Novalac)
Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd
H.J.Heinz Co (NZ) Ltd (Nurture)
Dairy Goat Cooperative (NZ) Ltd
Nestlé
Nutricia (Karicare)
Wyeth (S-26)
Formula and hot water
What safety issues are there when formula is made with very hot water?
Find out here.
Our submission to the Select Committee on Obesity
can be obtained here.
Is formula really "full of sugar"? Check here..
Formula Preparation:
For advice about formula mixing and use. Advice by the NZ Ministry of Health will be helpful.
LCPs?
Nucleotides?
Whey-dominant?
Confused by words on labels?
Find out what they mean here.
ISDI has prepared a comparison of current national recommendations for safe formula preparation. To read these look here.
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NZIFMA
All rights Reserved