WHO denounces the deceptive practices of the glass industry

2022/05/02 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Osasuna
• Berdintasuna
• Etika

The World Health Organization has denounced the misleading use of digital marketing practices by the cheese industry. This industry, valued at 52 billion Euros worldwide, devotes part of its power to the payment of social media platforms and influencers, with the aim of encouraging the consumption of products by pregnant women and newborns.

According to the report, milk companies purchase or store personal information and send personalised promotions to pregnant women and mothers using tools such as applications, virtual support groups, clubs, promotions, contests and advisory services. Thus, between January and June 2021, the 229 million social network users have been reached.

The message that users receive is misleading because it suggests that it is better than breastfeeding, against scientific evidence, as well as against the recommendations and code of the WHO itself. Indeed, the discovery led to the international marketing code for breast milk substitutes to protect mothers from aggressive marketing practices. However, companies are significantly violating this code and these powerful digital marketing techniques make the milk market grow.

Thus, WHO calls on industry to consider the code and observe these practices, and calls on governments to protect new children and families, regulating and enforcing all milk advertising.