The Violation of Thailand Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and Related Products

The aims of the study are survey, collect and disseminate information on violation of the Thailand Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and Related Products (Thailand Code). The survey is conducted in the year 2010 with adoption of survey research in 2 aspects (the Thailand Code violation in 74 hospitals and 269 mothers of children aged up to one year). The questionnaire has been adapted from a survey form of compliance with the Code Monitoring Kit of the International Baby Food Action Network.

Results on Thailand Code violation are almost all companies violate Thailand Code. A drugstore is the most popular venue where violation by manufacturer and distributor companies is found. Advertisement is the most important reason that mothers feed their children with breastmilk substitutes. Most of mothers receive breastmilk substitutes from milk companies. Places where breastmilk substitutes are given included markets, shops, department stores and clinic. The majority of mothers receive products when they seek medical service during pregnancy, delivery and after delivery. The apparent lack of impact of the Thailand Code of Ethnics on the breast feeding practices may be because the Thailand Code has no legal backing for enforcement. Therefore, Thailand Code should be developing to be law or regulation.