FOOD: The Formula Flap

Rightly or wrongly, multinational corporations have been accused of a multitude of sins: bribery, tax evasion, reaping outlandish profits, seeking to overthrow governments. Lately the list has grown to include a truly ghastly accusation. Nestle Alimentana of Vevey, Switzerland, the mammoth (1974 sales: $5.6 billion) and venerable food company, is being charged by activists with responsibility for mass deaths of babies.

Nestle is a leading producer of powdered formulas for infant milk sold in less developed nations, where many mothers are uneducated and illiterate.

Too often these women either prepare formulas in...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!