Review of the Marketing in Australia of Infant Formulas: Manufacturers and Importers Agreement (MAIF Agreement)

Closed 12 May 2023

Opened 31 Mar 2023

Contact

maif@health.gov.au

Feedback updated 11 Apr 2024

We asked

For views from the Australian community on the Marketing in Australia of Infant Formulas: Manufacturers and Importers Agreement (MAIF Agreement). This included views on the current scope of the MAIF agreement, whether the current processes related to the MAIF Agreement and Committee are appropriate, if alternate regulatory approaches need to be considered and any benefits, costs and limitations of changes to the agreement.   

You said

A total of 524 individuals and organisations participated in stakeholder consultation, including consumers and members of the public, infant formula industry (MAIF Agreement signatories and non-signatories), State and Territory government representatives, health sector representatives, breastfeeding and public health advocates, and academics. The online survey received 443 responses. Consultation also included 28 focus groups and interviews led by Allen + Clarke, and analysis of 11 written submissions provided by interested parties. The responses were detailed and diverse. We thank all of the respondents for their time and feedback.

Of the 443 responses to the online survey, 408 respondents provided consent to publish their responses. However, all responses were included in the analysis undertaken by Allen + Clarke.

The Consultation Report provides an analysis of all stakeholder consultation.

We did

A Consultation Report and the MAIF Review report will be made available on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Marketing Infant Formula in Australia webpage. Submissions have now been published on Consultation Hub (where consent to publish was granted by the respondent).

Results updated 11 Apr 2024

The Consultation Report provides an analysis of all stakeholder consultation.Only answers from respondents who provided consent to publishing are published. However, all submissions are included in the analysis. 

Files:

Published responses

View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.

Overview

We are seeking feedback to inform the Review of the Marketing in Australia of Infant Formulas: Manufacturers and Importers Agreement (MAIF Agreement).

The MAIF Agreement is a voluntary, self-regulatory code of conduct between manufacturers and importers of infant formula products in Australia. The key objectives of the MAIF Agreement are to:

  • ensure safe and adequate nutrition for babies
  • encourage breastfeeding as the first option for babies
  • ensure caregivers make informed decisions
  • ensure the proper use of breast milk substitutes.

The Review

The Department of Health and Aged Care has commissioned Allen + Clarke Consulting to undertake an independent review of the MAIF Agreement. The Review seeks to answer the following Key Review Questions:

  1. Is the MAIF Agreement effective in achieving its aims?
  2. Is the scope of the MAIF Agreement appropriate in the current policy environment?
  3. Are the MAIF Agreement processes appropriate?
  4. Is the voluntary, self-regulatory approach fit for purpose or are there alternative regulatory models?
  5. What are the benefits, costs and any limitations of changes and expansion of the agreement scope, alternative regulatory models and MAIF Agreement processes?

Consultation

We are seeking your submission via survey responses. For more information on the Review and how your information will be used please refer to the Consultation Paper. The consultation period will finish on 12 May 2023.

The Survey may take up to 20 minutes to complete.

Late submissions or requests for extensions will not be accepted.

Next steps

The MAIF Review is now complete. The Review report will be made available on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website at www.health.gov.au/topics/pregnancy-birth-and-baby/breastfeeding-infant-nutrition/marketing-infant-formula#review-of-the-maif-agreement

Audiences

  • Seniors
  • Men
  • Women
  • Carers and guardians
  • Families
  • Parents
  • Academics
  • Non-government organisations
  • State government agencies
  • Commonwealth agencies
  • Local governments
  • Health professionals
  • Health workforce
  • General public
  • Community groups
  • Businesses

Interests

  • Regulatory policy
  • Women's health
  • Children's health
  • Preventative health
  • Policy Development