China's top legislature is reviewing a draft amendment to the Advertisement Law that will introduce a ban on the promotion of infant formula, reports Chinese news agency Xinhuanet. The review is taking place on Monday (today). "Dairy products, drinks and other food advertisements that claim to partly or completely substitute mother's milk shall be banned from mass media or public venues," said the draft.
China's top legislature is reviewing a draft amendment to the Advertisement Law that will introduce a ban on the promotion of infant formula, reports Chinese news agency Xinhuanet. The review is taking place on Monday (today).
"Dairy products, drinks and other food advertisements that claim to partly or completely substitute mother's milk shall be banned from mass media or public venues," said the draft.
According to the proposed legislation, a fine of 1 million yuan (€150,000) will be imposed on those who break the new rule.
Irish dairy exports to Asia were worth €530m in 2014, with 30% destined for China. The country is now Ireland's second most important export market for dairy products, with the amount of infant formula exported to the country doubling in 2014. The drive for foreign exports was fuelled due to a scandal over tainted milk in 2008.
However, the Chinese government is now introducing measures to encourage women to breastfeed, such as asking businesses to offer rooms dedicated to breastfeeding. Only 28% of infants younger than six months were exclusively breastfed in China in 2008 and it is hoped by 2020 that this will change to 50%.
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