GENEVA (AP) -- Former UNICEF head Ann Veneman is taking a seat on the board of Swiss food and drinks company Nestle SA despite pleas from nutrition advocates who oppose the company's marketing of breast milk substitutes.
The company said Nestle shareholders approved Veneman for a seat on the 14-member board Thursday.
The International Baby Food Action Network tried to pressure Veneman not to join the leadership of a company that it said violates a 1981 global health code against ads playing up the benefits of infant formula and other substitutes for breast milk.
Veneman headed the U.N. children's agency from 2005-2010 and before that was U.S. agriculture secretary in former President George W. Bush's administration.
The company said Nestle shareholders approved Veneman for a seat on the 14-member board Thursday.
The International Baby Food Action Network tried to pressure Veneman not to join the leadership of a company that it said violates a 1981 global health code against ads playing up the benefits of infant formula and other substitutes for breast milk.
Veneman headed the U.N. children's agency from 2005-2010 and before that was U.S. agriculture secretary in former President George W. Bush's administration.