Policy on Formula
PSANZ policy on receiving sponsorship from companies that produce or market breastmilk substitute
The PSANZ Board is thankful for all sponsors that have contributed to the development of our multidisciplinary society supporting high-quality perinatal research and the success of our annual events. PSANZ fully supports breastfeeding, and the WHO Code (International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes) and will continue to do so. Therefore, sponsorship of PSANZ from companies that produce or market breastmilk substitute represents a potential conflict of interest due to two distinct interests coexisting, namely a pecuniary interest as well as a responsibility for the Society to advocate breast feeding as preferred whenever possible. The conflict of interest is such that ambiguity about goals and values could adversely affect the community and the Society.
The PSANZ Board resolved to manage this conflict of interest by making a clear declaration to maintain openness and transparency, and to develop appropriate processes to deal with the specific issues around the conflict of interest. This policy was initially developed in 2017 and updated in 2022.
PSANZ has developed the following guidelines and principles, which shall apply to the PSANZ Congress and any satellite meetings that are affiliated with PSANZ:
- PSANZ advocates that, whenever possible, a baby should exclusively receive breast milk until introduction of solids at around four to six months of age.
- PSANZ advocates that breast milk is the preferred milk for infants for at least the first twelve months after birth.
- PSANZ recognizes and respects that some mothers choose not to breast feed.
- PSANZ acknowledges that there are some clinical situations in which breastmilk substitute alternatives or supplements are necessary for early nutrition of newborns.
- PSANZ recognizes that engagement by expert members of the Society with companies producing breast milk substitutes and supplements may be of mutual benefit for the development of new medical nutrition therapies for babies.
- PSANZ expects all members to declare interests that may be, or be perceived to be, as placing the member in conflict with the interests of PSANZ.
- PSANZ totally rejects any practice that seeks to promote breastmilk substitute feeding as preferable to breast feeding.
- PSANZ will only accept sponsorship from companies that comply with relevant codes of practice (e.g. Medicines Australia Code of Conduct, The World Health Organisation International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes).
- Only companies that demonstrate willingness to share with PSANZ any breaches of the codes above and measures taken to address these breaches will be accepted as sponsors.
- PSANZ will not allow sponsorship from any company that produces or markets breastmilk substitute, including breastmilk substitute prescribed in hospital for medical indications.
- PSANZ will not allow the display of images of bottles and/or teats.
- PSANZ will not allow advertising or distribution of breastmilk substitute products of any kind to be distributed to attendees of any PSANZ meeting or congress.