Nestle India says ‘cut sugars in baby food in last 5 years’ after damning report
A study has revealed high levels of added sugar in Nestle's leading baby food brands, Cerelac and Nido, being sold in India and some other countries. Nestle India has reacted to the report.
In Short
- Nestle's baby food brands found to have high sugar levels
- In India, all Cerelac baby cereals contain added sugar, report says
- Nestle India clarifies it has reduced added sugar over the last 5 years
Nestle India has responded to the questions raised over its adherence to WHO guidelines on added sugar in baby food products after a report found that Cerelac and Nido brands contain high levels of added sugar and honey. Nestle India clarified that over the past 5 years, it has reduced added sugars by up to 30 per cent, depending on the variant in our infant cereals' portfolio.
According to the Public Eye, a Swiss investigative organisation, Nestle's leading baby food brands - Cerelac, a cereal aimed at children aged between six months and two years, and Nido, a follow-up milk formula brand intended for use for infants aged one and above, contain high levels of added sugar and honey,.
The sugar contents were found in Nestle's brands promoted in low and middle-income countries, the report further revealed. This is contrary to international guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases.
In India, where sales surpassed 250 million dollars in 2022, all Cerelac baby cereals were found to contain added sugar, on average nearly 3 grams per serving, the study revealed.
Following the report, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken suo moto cognisance of the sugar content controversy surrounding Nestle's Cerelac products, sources said.
NESTLE INDIA'S RESPONSE TO THE REPORT
In a statement, a Nestle India spokesperson said that over the last five years the company has reduced added sugars by up to 30 per cent.
"We would like to assure you that our Infant Cereal products, are manufactured to ensure the appropriate delivery of nutritional requirements such as Protein, Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Minerals, Iron etc. for early childhood. We never compromise and will never compromise on the nutritional quality of our products. We constantly leverage our extensive Global Research and Development network to enhance the nutritional profile of our products," the statement read.
"Over the past 5 years, we have already reduced added sugars by up to 30 per cent, depending on the variant. We regularly review our portfolio and continue to innovate and reformulate our products to further reduce the level of added sugars, without compromising on nutrition, quality, safety, and taste," it added.
WHAT REPORT FOUND
The report by the Public Eye found the following levels of sugar in baby food products:
- Thailand - 6 grams
- Ethiopia - 5 grams
- South Africa - 4 grams
- Brazil - average 3 grams
- Indonesia - 2 grams
- Mexico - 1.7 grams
- Nigeria, Senegal - 1 gram
In the Philippines, products aimed at toddlers contained no added sugar.
The result also found no added sugar in formulas for young children in Nestle's main European markets, including the UK.
While some cereals aimed at older toddlers were found to contain added sugar, none was found in products targeted at babies between six months and one year.
The results were found after campaigners from Public Eye sent samples of the Swiss multinational's baby-food products sold in Asia, Africa and Latin America to a Belgian laboratory for testing.
The results and examination of product packaging revealed added sugar in the form of sucrose or honey in samples of Nido and Cerelac.
According to the guidelines from the World Health Organisation for the European region, no added sugars or sweetening agents should be permitted in any food for children under three.