The artificial baby milk rap has been laid at Nestle's door for years. There are a number of competitive brands, all sold in "First World" countries as well. The corollary assumption made here is that people are unable to make their own decisions.
It has been shown that antibodies and enzymes in mother's milk are helpful, and it is certainly true that organic calcium compounds are necessary for development, but I doubt that there is medical support for assertions about Nestles and their competitors being responsible for the deaths, which are the result of malnourishment, lack of sanitation, lack of shelter, and consequent wasting and disease.
Considerable social modification is also necessary before the type of producer-consumer interaction envisioned by the so-called "fairtrade" people can become a reality. In many of the third world countries, religious and social distinctions and practices would need to be modified and this will take generations. Complete reorganization of the production system is unlikely for a long time to come.
Finally, medical research has so far found little fault with the genetically modified products that have reached the market or with growth hormones in cattle production. Efforts by some European countries are aimed more at trade restriction than at any perceived danger to the consumer. Genetic modification in crops and livestock has been going on for two thousand years and more, through deliberate selection as well as through mutations. Gene modification is in its infancy, but it is a technological breakthrough that cannot be stopped. True, consistent and continued testing is necessary, but the method will continue to make great strides in this new century.
Here in Alberta, the G8 meetings will be held this year. We are not looking forward to the influx of demonstrators with their disparate agendas. They will be kept well away from the conference site, but environmental and physical damage is expected.