Were Follow-up milks created by the infant food industry to contravene the Code?
Modern follow-up formulas were developed in the 1960s at the request of the medical profession, because the nutritional needs of older babies are different from those of new-borns. However, the concept of starter and follow-up formula dates back to the beginning of the twentieth century. In May 2000, WHO once again made clear that follow-on formula does not fall within the scope of the code, reiterating what was said in 1992 (Document WAH45/1992/REC/1). However, governments can of course decide otherwise: “As WHO has already observed, on the assumption that follow-up formula is not marketed or otherwise represented to be suitable as a breast-milk substitute, strictly speaking it does not fall within the scope of the International Code. However, WHO has also made clear that, taking into account the intent and spirit of the Code, there would appear to be grounds for the competent authorities in countries to conclude otherwise in the light of the way follow-up formula is perceived and use
