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Ethical use of baby food in third world countries

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Let me preface my comments by saying that I have not read the article that you mentioned above. Since there is not a link provided I cannot verify if the claims you make regarding "formula companies" bribing health care providers, are true or not. For the purpose of this essay I will assume that the claims you have made in your first paragraph are accurate.

Infant formula cannot be held responsible for the misuse of their products. It would be impossible for any company to foresee all the ways that the product they make might be misused. Can companies that sell aerosol sprays and/or glue be held responsible for the fact that some kids get high on their products? If a glass beer bottle is used in a bar fight as a weapon can we hold the bottle manufacturer responsible? No company can be held responsible for the inappropriate use of the product they make. Having said that, you have made the additional charge that formula companies bribe health care providers with supplies they need for their hospitals. Of course I haven't seen the article but the truth is it may or may not be a bribe. Do soft drink companies "bribe" schools to put soda dispensers in their schools or do they just make a business arrangement with them. Does Coca-Cola bribe certain restaurants to serve their drinks rather than those belonging to Pepsi? I would imagine that formula companies should have the right to try to sell their products to as many people as necessary. Calling a business transaction a bribe is misleading unless they are indeed circumventing the law and doing something illegal.

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Solution Summary

This discussion focuses on ethical choices in the baby food industry as they attempt to sell products to third world countries. Approximately 1,000 words of original text.

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Let me preface my comments by saying that I have not read the article that you mentioned above. Since there is not a link provided I cannot verify if the claims you make regarding "formula companies" bribing health care providers, are true or not. For the purpose of this essay I will assume that the claims you have made in your first paragraph are accurate.

Infant formula cannot be held responsible for the misuse of their products. It would be impossible for any company to foresee all the ways that the product they make might be misused. Can companies that sell aerosol sprays and/or glue be held responsible for the fact that some kids get high on their products? If a glass beer bottle is used in a bar fight as a weapon can we hold the bottle manufacturer responsible? No company can be held responsible for the inappropriate use of the product they make. Having said that, you have made the additional charge that formula companies bribe health care providers with supplies they need for their hospitals. Of course I haven't seen the article but the truth is it may or may not be a bribe. Do soft drink companies "bribe" schools to put soda dispensers in their schools or do they just make a business arrangement with them. Does Coca-Cola bribe certain restaurants to serve their drinks rather than ...

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