Hipp Violations Library Posted 22nd October 1999 The UK Food Group marked UN World Food Day, 15th October 1999, by presenting its annual awards highlighting the impact of good and bad practice on global food security. Hipp received a "shaming" award for "misguiding labelling of its infant teas and juices". For full details of the nomination see the Baby Milk Action press release. Access 300 pixel/inch colour JPEGs by clicking on the thumbnails. In June 1999 monitors found envelopes such as this being distributed to mothers in Maternity Wards in the Ukraine. It includes the items shown below. Similar envelopes have been distributed across the region, including in Albania, Armenia, Croatia, Latvia and Macedonia. In some countries Hipp is also distributing a gift box. Monitors in Croatia and Ukraine have reported that mothers have received these gifts within hours of giving birth. See the Campaign for Ethical Marketing action sheet July 1999 for more details. Or contact Hipp - Tel: +49 8441 7570 Fax: +49 8441 757654 Tea samples such as this (taken from a Ukraine pack) encourage mothers to end exclusive breastfeeding. It is labelled for use from one week of age (this label is in German only - the teas available in the shops include Russian on the labels). Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until about 6 months of age. Introducing any other substance, including water, teas and juices, increases risk of illness and, where water is unsafe, increases risk of death. The teas have a high sugar content (over 90%) and increase risk of dental caries. Following a series of court cases in Hipp's home country of Germany, the labels include a warning to clean teeth regularly. Hipp's General Manager, Klaus Hipp, appears on the back cover of a promotional booklet in the pack. Mr. Hipp has attempted to earn an ethical image by championing organic foods - some of the products in the UK are accredited by the Soil Association. However, this reputation is not totally deserved as his company continues to produce non-organic foods under the Bebivita label, which do not reveal the connection with Hipp.