The Mail today has an article on Boots the Chemist's interpretation of EU law and, as a result, their unwillingness to offer loyalty points on milk formula. The article says "Boots said the Infant Formula and Follow On Formula Regulations 2007 banned the promotion of infant formula 'under any circumstances' and it believed loyalty points 'could be construed as promotion and therefore a breach of the law".
Looking at the Statutory Instruments 2007 No. 2531 The Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula (England) Regulations 2007, it would appear that Boots are correct in their interpretation as this SI says "23 (1) (e) undertake any other promotional activity to induce the sale of an infant formula." The SI also says that "In accordance with section 48(4A) of the Food Safety Act 1990, the Secretary of State has had regard to relevant advice given by the Food Standards Agency." and the Mail article states that "The Food Standards Agency said it advised that loyalty schemes could break the rules."
The comments, in the Mail article, from a midwife and breast feeding counsellor show that what should surely be a matter of choice for the mother is now being 'decided' by politicians and bureaucrats. Not only that but questions are now being raised, on instructions 'from above', on matters such as when the mother intends returning to work and also on personal finances.
On discussing this with a young mother, the response was that were she so questioned, she would be most disappointed with her husband if he did not deposit such a health worker on his/her arse, outside their front door!
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