Controversy over the regulations of infant milk formula marketing from 1970s to 2000s: an analysis on the use of evidence in health policymaking

This essay focuses on analysing the use of evidence by different actors to influence the policymaking process related to the marketing regulations for infant milk formula (IMF). By tracing controversial IMF cases that occurred worldwide from the 1970s to the 2000s (4-6), the essay illustrates how two groups, i.e. the anti-IMF groups and the IMF industry, strategically created, utilised, and interpreted evidence to either advocate or prevent for stricter regulations in marketing and advertising of IMF products in developing countries. Using Kingdon’s multiple streams model of policy change, this essay analysed how the use of evidence at crucial moments in the policymaking process has allowed both groups of actors to successfully influence some policy changes throughout the decades.