The study aims to understand the views of public and private sector health professionals on commercial milk formula, to describe their exposure to companies that market commercial milk formula within their workplaces and to describe their awareness of South African (SA) regulations.

This study demonstrates clearly that health professionals, particularly in the private sector, are exposed to and promote the use of commercial milk formula among SA women. The findings of this study should be used to catalyse policy responses, social movements, consumer and professional association action to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of the Code regulations in order to protect breastfeeding and support the optimal health and well-being of the population.