Press Release
20.05.2016
New Delhi
Indian Journal of Pediatrics and British Biological Pvt. Ltd
Apologized for Violating the Indian Law Protecting Breastfeeding
Indian Journal of Pediatrics and British Biological Pvt. Ltd found violating the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply & Distribution) Act 1992, and Amendment Act 2003 (IMS Act)
The Indian Journal of Pediatrics, published from New Delhi, India printed an advertisement of “LF100” an Infant Milk Substitute manufactured and marketed by British Biological Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, India, in its’ February 2016 issue.
The IMS Act clearly prohibits all kinds of promotion for 0-2 year of baby foods and feeding bottles, including advertisement, pecuniary benefits to doctors or their associations including sponsorship, as well as commission to salesperson; and also prescribes labeling requirements.
Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI), adesignated gazetted organization by Government of India to monitor the IMS Act, took a suomoto note of publication of this advertisement. The advertisement was analysed by the BPNI team and the legal advisor of BPNI, who concluded that it is a violation of several provisions of the IMS Act.
BPNI served a legal notice through its’ legal advisor to infant formula manufacturer British Biologicals Pvt. Ltd. and Indian Journal of Paediatrics, on 28th March 2016 for violation of the IMS Act.
The legal notice conveyed both the organizations to stop publishing advertisements in print / electronic or social media on “LF100” or other similar products which are in violation to IMS Act, with immediate effect as failure to do so may attract a legal action.
In response to legal notice, on 1st of April 2016, BPNI received an e-mail communication from Mr. Rajiv Dhir, Marketing Head of Indian Journal of Pediatrics stating that they have blocked further circulation of their February issue, which contained the advertisement of “LF100” with immediate effect and also withdrawn contract with British Biologicals Pvt. Ltd. for publication of said advertisement. Mr. Dhir also assured that such advertisement will not appear in their future publications.
British Life Science Pvt Ltd apologized with a communication received from Mr. S. Mahendra Boopathy, Assistant manager of the company accepting the mistake committed by the company and informing that the stated advertisement has been withdrawn from publication in the future issues of Indian Journal of Pediatrics.He also assured that such violations would not happen henceforth.
To conclude, this is one more affirmative action accomplished by BPNI in monitoring the IMS Act and preventing its’ violation.
Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI)
Phone: +91-11-27343608, 42683059
Fax:+91-11-27343606
For further information, contact:
Dr. Neelima Thakur (9871067083)
Ms. Nupur Bidla ( 9958163610)
Dr. JP Dadhich(9873926751)