Infant Formula

"Infant formula abuse is a domestic issue as well as a serious problem in Third World countries," Lois M. Happe, a Boston representative of Infant Formula Action Coalition (INFACT) said last night during a talk at the Science Center.

Happe told an audience of 25 that American mothers in impovershed areas face the same problems with formula as those in less developed countries.

"Using contaminated water in mixing the formula, decreasing its nutritional value by overdilution, sterilizing bottles improperly, and not following instructions because of illiteracy" are all problems which contribute to infant malnutrition and mortality worldwide, Happe said.

Third World countries are large consumers of imported infant formula, using "modern technology in a culture where technical support is unavailable," Happe said. INFACT is a national organization working to halt the promotion of formula in areas where it cannot be properly used.

A short CBS film documentary highlighting formula abuse and its consequences in the Dominican Republic preceded Happe's speech.

Happe's talk was sponsored by a coalition of undergraduate organizations, headed by the Committee on Central America, which is currently organizing a boycott of Nestle products in Harvard dining halls. Nestle, the world's largest producer of infant formula, dominates the market in many developing countries.

Although Nestle does not distribute infant formula in the U.S., American consumers can most effectively pressure the company by boycotting their other products, Happe added.