FOI 25-0183 LD – Donation Of Infant Formula

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During the 2020 Australian bushfire crisis, Department of Health officials and external nutrition experts discussed the distribution of donated infant formula through Foodbank. Email exchanges from January 2020 show discussions about whether companies could restrict formula donations to exclusively formula-feeding mothers, with some experts suggesting Foodbank should be informed of any such agreements. However, other respondents clarified that companies cannot stipulate conditions on donations once given to Foodbank, and that distribution decisions rest with the charity. Department officials ultimately decided not to impede the donation reaching those in need while planning further policy discussion on the matter for future emergency preparedness.