- WHO urges action on Baby formula prices.
- Families resort to extreme measures.
- Companies criticized for profiteering.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on ministers to address the “price manipulation” of infant formula, as research shows a 45% increase in the cost of the cheapest brand over the past two years.
WHO demands government action to combat the “exploitation” of British families due to rising infant formula costs.
“Profit-driven” multinational formula manufacturers are criticized for “manipulating the price” of their products.
The cheapest brand in the UK has seen a 45% price increase in the last two years, with prices up by 24%.
THE WORLD HOSPITAL urges governments to find ways to lower prices in stores and support struggling families.
Desperate Measures by Parents
Many parents resort to extreme measures to feed their infants, such as smuggling formula, buying it on the black market, diluting bottles, or substituting formula with condensed milk.
Laurence Grummer-Strawn, a technical officer for WHO, said, “It is shocking to see a high-income nation like the UK grappling with issues where mothers cannot afford to feed their infants.
The answer was “Yes, given the fact that consumers are forced to pay exorbitant prices.”
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“They find themselves in an extremely precarious situation, as they are the sole providers of nourishment for their infants and have limited access to viable alternatives and alternative businesses to which they can turn.”
“You’re exploiting them to increase the profits of these companies, and they have huge profit margins.”
Government Intervention Needed
Mr. Grummer-Strawn stressed the necessity for sustained government action, such as price cuts or family aid.
“Action from the government is required. Relying on infant and food banks is not a sustainable approach for ensuring that families have access to necessities.”
UK baby banks and food banks have seen an influx of needy families, including working parents without formula milk.
Numerous infant food banks have reported introducing formula because of a shortage of donated supplies.
Charitable organizations have expressed concern about the overwhelming caseload.
Mr. Grummer-Strawn also raised concerns that companies may be raising prices simply because other items are becoming more expensive.
“We are attempting to reach out to investors and ask, “Where’s the ethics in this?” and encourage investors to consider ethical investing and either avoid or choose ethical companies.”
“Families are fundamentally concerned with ensuring their infants are fed when bottle feeding is required,” Mr. Grummer-Strawn noted.
“The issue is that the government has not provided the necessary support and intervention.”
Aptamil and Cow & Gate manufacturer Danone acknowledged “unprecedented increases in the cost of ingredients, manufacturing, storage, and transport” affecting its operations.
A representative stated that “Where possible, we have always tried to absorb as many of these cost increases as possible.”
Danone also stated that shops set goods prices, but they aim to help parents.
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