Taylor decided not to accept the prize money from Nestle, because of their record of aggressive marketing of baby foods, which contributes to the unnecessary death and suffering of infants around the world.
Taylor wrote a letter refusing the prize, saying (bolding mine)
...it is my view that their interpretation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes sets up the risk that profit is put before infant health. And, in addition, it seems that the actions of some of their employees on the ground are inconsistent with company policy as set out in the Head Office.
For these reasons I do not feel that Nestlé are the most appropriate sponsors for this major children’s book prize.
Nestle has also failed to answer reports on child slavery in its cocoa production.
Well, I applaud Taylor's decision, and I wonder if maybe accepting the prize but publicly donating the money to Baby Milk Action might have been a better use?
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What is so bad about formula or baby food for those of us who have to work and can't breastfeed or make our babies food.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that you should ask that, 'anonymous'.
ReplyDeleteI haven't stated any opinion about formula vs. breastfeeding, and if you read closely the article and links, you will see that the issue here is not formula at all.
the issue is the illegal marketing tactics Nestle (and other formula companies) use in order to discourage breastfeeding, and thereby sell more formula.
I can talk at length about this, but if you're interested, I'd advise reading a little first.