I've heard two podcasts talk about the evils of Nestle. I think they maybe contributed to the formula crisis in poor (as in no money) African countries. Maybe I'm mixing up different stories. Either way, they're very evil.
You're remembering right. Nestle pushed for mother's in Africa to use formula over breastfeeding, which led to several problems, including the fact that clean water wasn't provided, so formula was made with contaminated water.
Pushing is an understatement. They gave away free samples, and donated formula to hospitals on the condition hospitals discharge new mothers with samples.
Once infant formula has been used, it is near impossible to kick the habit. For mothers lose the ability and the self-confidence to breastfeed before they reach the bottom of their free sample powdered milk packet.
Omg! Really?! Nestle, of all companies!? Exploiting developing nations with baby formula!? Whoever could have predicted this!? Nothing in their history could have possibly warned us about this type of behaviour!
All sarcasm aside, you don't need to use nestle products. Just don't give them your money.
While I 100% support a Nestlé boycott I think it's the same discussion as with climate change. We all can and should do our part but in the end we need to regulate the fuck out of big corporations like Nestlé if we want to achieve meaningful change. Either directly or indirectly.