美姬社区has surveyed all members to ask for their views on formula milk companies (FMCs) being allowed a presence at 美姬社区events. The survey results will assist the 美姬社区Executive Committee with developing future policy in this area.
In the past 美姬社区has adopted a strict due diligence procedure to commercial presence at meetings, allowing promotion only of breast milk fortifier and/or specialist formulae, either for preterm babies or babies with specific metabolic requirements or dietary intolerance. Companies that manufacture breast milk substitutes were only allowed to purchase an exhibition stand, they were not permitted to provide general sponsorship to 美姬社区meetings.
In 2019 both RCPCH and BMJ have placed a blanket ban on all sponsorship from formula milk companies. Additionally, 美姬社区has received concerns expressed by our members that some health care organisations will not allow their employees to attend 美姬社区meetings if any sponsorship is received from formula milk companies. As a result of both of these issues, 美姬社区Executive Committee decided in May 2019 to decline any revenue from formula milk companies for our 2019 conference, but to review this decision after consultation with members and with delegates at the 2019 conference.
Members are asked to respond to the survey through their email before the closing date of 18th August.