The definition of the word “substitute” implies something that has properties similar to those of another thing and may replace it with a lesser degree of quality, or an imitation of lesser quality than the original.
A human milk substitute is any food marketed as a partial or total substitute for breast milk, and the elements for its administration, whether or not they are suitable for that purpose.
The International Code of Marketing of Human Milk Substitutes applies to marketing strategies for the following milk substitute products:
• Breast-milk substitutes, including infant formulae. This could include any milk product (or product that can be used as a substitute for human milk) that is marketed specifically for the feeding of infants and children up to 3 years of age, including complementary formulae and growing-up milks.
• Other foods and beverages (e.g., juices, infusions and waters) that are promoted as suitable for the feeding of infants under 6 months, when exclusive breastfeeding is recommended.
• Bottles and teats.
