Many Christians regularly buy Nestle products. However, currently a number of people are boycotting this firm because of their cynical attitude to marketing baby milk in third world countries. Basically, they provide free milk powder to hospitals in these countries, and bribe medical staff to encourage mothers to use this rather than their own milk. The results are:
* The powder is often mixed with polluted water causing disease and deaths.
* Mothers spend money that they can ill afford to buy the baby milk thinking they are doing best for their child.
* Babies lack nutrients present in breast milk.
* The contraceptive effect of breast feeding is missed.
* Women may face a higher risk of breast cancer.
One way to fight back is to hit Nestle in the pocket by not buying their coffee, confectionery, etc. in our own country.
Many Christians feel it to be right not to swear, get drunk, etc., etc. in order to make a point about what we believe. Isn’t it just as valid to make a point about our beliefs on justice and compassion by being careful about what we buy? As more and more people around the Uni become aware of the Nestle issue we risk being perceived as uncaring, even hypocritical, if we are continually seen to be blissfully buying and consuming Nestle products.
Please, let’s not be seen as being more concerned about whether role players are satanists, than whether people are dying – preventably – in the developing world.
Most of Nestle’s products now carry their own distinctive logo, but here is a list of some of the most common brand names which the company makes: Nescafe (obviously!); Shredded Wheat and Shreddies; Kit Kat; Polo; Aero; Yorkie; Smarties; Toffee Crisp; Rolo; Lion; Quality Street; Lyons Maid; Findus; Buitoni; Sun-Pat; Branston Pickle; and L’Oreal.
Thanks to the person who e-mailed us to say that Calistoga water, Sark’s coffee and Stoffers frozen foods are made by Nestle, though do not bear their logo.»
