Abstract

At a time when the gigantic transnationals have a huge impact on human health, the environment, working conditions and the economic prospects of nations, this book explores whether it is sufficient to continue to rely on industry self-regulation alone. Before widening her focus to the general issues, the author examines the now famous case of the infant food industry. Almost two decades after the introduction of the WHO/Unicef Code seeking to regulate the marketing of formula milk substitutes, an estimated one and a half million babies die unnecessarily every year as a result of formula feeding. How effective, therefore, has the Code been in changing industry behaviour? The author argues that a key question today is how to foster a political climate favourable to practical institutional arrangements for the better regulation of TNCs. Recognizing the tension between global governance on the one hand and the globalized free market on the other, she urges that close attention be given to corporate conduct and TNC compliance with what regulatory codes exist. A range of relevant questions is explored, including the roles of citizen action, national governments and international agencies. A host of public concerns - for example, job losses when industries migrate or the introduction of GM crops without public consultation - point to corporate regulation as a looming political issue. This book contributes to the debate about how powerful corporations can pay regard not only to the bottom line, but also take more seriously their social responsibilities.
Judith Richter was born in Germany. She is a sociologist specialising in international development and has also qualified as a pharmacist. She has lived and worked in a number of countries. Since 1991 she has worked as a freelance researcher, writer and lecturer, and more recently as a consultant for UN agencies such as UNICEF and WHO. Much of her work over the last fifteen years has centred on the social, political and ethical aspects of communication and democratic decisionmaking, infant feeding, pharmaceutical policies, and contraceptive research. She is also actively involved in various social movements, including Health Action International (HAI) and the Women's Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR). Her previous book was Vaccination Against Pregnancy: Miracle or Menace? (Zed 1996).
'A provocative and detailed account of corporate involvement in infant feeding. This book is comprehensive, cogently argued and clearly written. It should become a key reference for anyone interested in this topic or, in this era of globalization, the issue of corporate responsibility and accountability more generally.' Sofia Gruskin, FXB Centre 'The battle for meaningful corporate accountability is one the citizens of the world cannot afford to lose. Richter's book will be a great help to the world's civil society organizations as they develop effective strategies to control the dominant form of artificial life on the planet, the transnational corporation, for the sake of the lives, health and welfare of real people.' George J. Annas, Global Lawyers and Physicians 'Judith Richer raises important questions about curbing corporate power in an expert manner and in highly accessible language.' Cees J. Hamelink, University of Amsterdam 'Richter presents a strong case for the need for corporate accountability, in the infant feeding industry.' Journal of Human Lactation 'This readable and well-documeted study is recommended for international business and business ethics collections.' R.H. Dekmejian, Choice