Anusha Bradley

2 weeks ago | rnz.co.nz | Anusha Bradley

Baby formula companies tried to convince the government to resist an expanded global ban on internet marketing of infant milk, despite evidence that online advertising was discouraging mums from breastfeeding. The former chief executive of the local formula industry body even met with diplomats based at the World Trade Organisation in Geneva to raise its concerns, documents obtained by RNZ under the Official Information Act show.

2 weeks ago | rnz.co.nz | Anusha Bradley

The government is considering signing up to Trans-Tasman rules on baby formula - after rejecting them amid industry lobbying. This potential policy shift follows a change of heart from formula companies, including major players Danone and The a2 Milk Company, who had previously campaigned against the standards.

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Anusha Bradley

Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard faces criticism over potential conflicts of interest involving his sister. Hoggard’s sister, Kimberly Crewther, advised against tougher infant formula standards, which were later dropped. Critics argue Hoggard should have stepped aside due to his connections with the dairy industry.

3 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Anusha Bradley

No matter the brand, the ingredients in baby formula are highly regulated so standard formulas are essentially the same. By Anusha Bradley, RNZNew baby formula standards were designed to prioritise infant nutrition and take the pressure off parents. But for formula companies, profits were at stake. And that’s when the lobbying kicked in. When Dr Gergely Toldi gives his tiny patients at Starship Hospital baby formula, he has no idea what brand it might be.

3 weeks ago | rnz.co.nz | Anusha Bradley

New baby formula standards were designed to prioritise infant nutrition and take the pressure off parents. But for formula companies, profits were at stake. And that's when the lobbying kicked in. When Dr Gergely Toldi gives his tiny patients at Starship Hospital baby formula, he has no idea what brand it might be. Like in nearly all hospitals around the motu, commercially-made infant formula given to term babies is prepared in a special room and brought to the ward in unbranded bottles.