Who We Are
Baby Food & Nutrition Council (BFNC) is the only representative of Infant formula and baby food manufacturing industry in Pakistan. We are a not-for-profit organization registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Our membership consists of reputed local and leading international infant formula manufacturers.
We believe that breastfeeding provides the best start in life for babies, and we support the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by the introduction of safe and adequate nutritious complementary foods along with sustained breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond. For infants who cannot be breastfed or whose mothers choose not to breastfeed, infant formula is the only safe and suitable breastmilk substitute (BMS) recognized by the WHO.
Our members realize the importance of appropriate marketing practices as outlined in the WHO International Code on Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. Not only do we adhere to the WHO Code but we also comply with national/provincial regulations; Protection of Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Acts and Rules.
BFNC was founded in 2020 to effectively engage with stakeholders such as government authorities, academia and related institutions. It provides a platform to discuss issues regarding infant & child nutrition, children formula and other related matters. All advocacy is done through constructive dialogue with an ultimate goal of aligning the interest of all stakeholders.
Our Vision
To become a dynamic and credible partner of government and other stakeholders at national level in improving the nutrition and health status of mothers and children in Pakistan.
Our Mission
Support exclusive breastfeeding for babies 0-6 months
Ensure all members comply with WHO Code/ local regulations with regards to marketing of breast milk substitutes
Provide nutritious and high quality products in accordance with applicable local regulations
Collaborate with government and other relevant stakeholders to improve maternal and child nutrition
Our Members
Objectives
- To ensure adherence and compliance to National codes, Laws and related rules for the protection of breastfeeding in the country.
- To ensure international best practices and WHO code on the protection of breastfeeding and marketing of infant formula/ baby foods.
- To ensure quality and food safety for self practice and for advocacy.
- To take up issues related to infant nutrition, formula milk, child nutrition and related subjects with the government and related institutions in the private sector.
- To engage in constructive dialogue with government on policy matters related to infant/ baby food within the parameters of WHO code. This also includes matters related to taxation for the industry.
- To represent the company in any court of law, tribunal, or department for resolution or addressing any related issue on merit.
- To educate all stakeholders in Pakistan on the importance of the protection of breastfeeding and compliance with the National and International codes.
World Health Organization Code
Local Regulation
BFNC supports the principles of the World Health Organization’s International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (WHO Code) as well as national regulations which aim at protecting and promoting breastfeeding.
BFNC complies with the applicable regulations in Pakistan namely Federal Protection of Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Ordinance 2002 & Rules 2009 and successive provincial laws on the same.
BFNC Core Values
Supporting WHO Code
BFNC supports the principles of the World Health Organization’s International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (WHO Code) as well as national regulations which aim at protecting and promoting breastfeeding.
Compliance with Local Regulations
BFNC complies with the applicable regulations in Pakistan namely Federal Protection of Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Ordinance 2002 & Rules 2009 and successive provincial laws on the same. .
Provide High Quality Products
We aim to provide nutritious and high-quality infant nutrition products while meeting all applicable regulatory requirements.
