Milk Code in the Philippines: Quo Vadis, Nestle?

When an entity publicly espouses certain universal values, it is reasonable to expect that the entity -no matter what kind of situation it is in - will abide by its own espoused values. However, if you look at the way Nestle is handling itself in the Philippines, especially in its hypocritical and bullying treatment of its third party "partners," it is fairly obvious that its values - Honesty, Integrity and Fairness - are just mere lip service. (Please look at the historical posts to see for yourself how this is so.)

If it is unique, "one-of" case then one can reasonably conclude that it a mere aberration; and therefore, the reputation of Nestle, most especially in the Philippines, should remain intact and fairly unblemished. On the other hand, if it is proven that such behavior is habitual, then it reflects badly on how twisted the leadership behind the organization is. As much as we try not to think of it negatively, it is with extreme sadness to conclude that Nestle falls into the category of the latter.

Apart from its trade bullying and its blatant disregard for its former workers, Nestle, by its own words, is extremely guilty and hypocritical in its stand on the international milk code. Consider their own words when you make your judgement on how seriously fucked up this company is:

Philippine Daily Inquirer, 11/21/2006:

Nestlé position

In a statement, Nestlé

Philippines Inc. said it was supporting the proposal to prohibit the use of identical or

similar brand names both for infant formulas and for other milk products not covered by the Milk Code.

“The proposal will strengthen the effective and transparent

enforcement of the ban on the advertising of infant milk,” Nestlé said yesterday in a statement.

The company said it was also supporting an advertising ban on breast milk

substitutes for infants aged up to 12 months. In contrast, the IRR regulates the

advertising of milk formula for children aged up to 24 months, which is consistent with the World

Health Assembly resolutions and the Infant and Young Child Feeding Convention to which the

Philippines is a signatory.

The International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) in Europe, representing 58 groups

in 35 countries across the continent, endorsed the petition supporting the Philippine government’s policy on infant formula.

From England, a certain Jennifer wrote: “The health of

children of the Philippines is of far greater importance than the accumulation of profits by baby milk companies.

“It is shameful that com

panies and individuals should undermine the health of babies purely to make money.”

Please click HERE for the full article.

In their own website for baby milk,

however, here is Nestle's global statement:

However, it appears that most of the allegations about Nestlé

are practices that are entirely in keeping with the International Code, as originally drafted and as implemented by

each government in question. It is important to note in this context that the Code was passed as a recommendation to

governments to implement according to their own legislative and regulatory frameworks.

Nestlé voluntarily and unilaterally applies the Code in its entirety in all developing countries (over 150 nations).

Please click HERE for the full article.

WOW! If this isn't hypocrisy at its best, then what is? It is clearly no wonder why the other issues are

present and there to stay. There is no value (pun intended!) to the word, written or otherwise, in the Nestle world.

The good news is that FRR believes that people, even bullies,

can change for the better. You can be un-fucked up if you put the will behind it.

Nestle, quo vadis?