Students Petition for College To Boycott Nestle's Products

Students will begin collecting signatures and distributing leaflets today, in an effort to convince University officials to boycott products of the Nestle Company.

Charging that the company promotes and sells infants formula in underdeveloped countries, and thus raises infant mortality rates, Michael R. Kremer '85, coordinator of the Harvard-Radcliffe Infant Formula Coalition (INC), said University Food Services should stop purchasing iced tea made by the company.

Benjamin J. Walcott, assistant director of food services, said yesterday the University does "not take stands on boycotts on products," adding that purchases are based on food quality and price.

President Bok, in a May 1979 open letter that referred to Nestle by name, said universities should not "claim the right to pressure others to do what they believe is morally right" for fear others might try to impose their standards on the University.

He added, however, that the University should try to offer alternative brands to products that "raise serious ethical concerns."

The University stopped buying Nestle hot chocolate in the wake of a similar protest two years ago, but food services personnel said the decision was based on price and quality factors.

INC organizers will collect signatures, through the end of the week and hand out literature detailing the link they see between improper formula storage and preparation and reduced breast-feeding, and increased infant mortality.

"If nobody eats [the Nestle products], the dining halls won't buy them," Damon Kurowski '85, one coordinator of the protest, said yesterday.

"We're not going to put out food that's not going to be eaten," agreed Walcott. "I guess that's the best way for students to go about expressing their opinion," he added.