Nestlé has been the subject of boycott calls around the world since the 1970s for its marketing of baby milk formula. It is accused of "contributing to the unnecessary death and suffering of infants" through its aggressive marketing practices, which campaigners allege promote baby milk formula as a superior option to breastfeeding.
In November 2023 Baby Milk Action said in an email to Ethical Consumer that Nestle is "interfering with governments who are trying to bring in strong laws to protect child health and survival. It’s still essential to protect and support women who want to breastfeed – a lifeline that provides food, nurturing care and immune support for so many babies."
In November 2025, IBFAN (International Baby Food Action Network) briefed the United Nation’s COP 30 climate change summit on how Nestlé’s bottled water business depletes community ground water resources across the world and pollutes drinking water with microplastics. IBFAN called on consumers and institutions to join its boycott of Nestlé, and refuse sponsorships from Nestlé and other corporations that undermine human rights and cause environmental degradation.