Latest report reveals Nestle adds sugar to infant milk sold in poorer countries. ‘Cerelac’ wheat sold in India has 2.2gm of added sugar per portion. (Getty)
Nestle Sugar Controversy: The revelation was made when samples of the company’s baby food products sold in Asia, Africa and Latin America were sent to a Belgian laboratory for testing.
After Centre cracked down on popular supplement ‘Bournvita‘, Nestle’s baby food is reportedly now in danger. A latest study has revealed that Nestle adds sugar to infant milk sold in poorer countries but not in its main markets in Europe or the UK.
A report in Times of India quoted a study by Public Eye, a Swiss investigative organisation, and IBFAN (International Baby Food Action Network). The revelation was made when samples of the company’s baby food products sold in Asia, Africa and Latin America were sent to a Belgian laboratory for testing.
What Does Nestle Say on Latest Report?
Nestle reportedly did not respond to questions from Public Eye and IBFAN. But gave a general statement that it “has reduced by 11 per cent the total amount of added sugars in infant cereal portfolio worldwide” over the past decade and that it will “further reduce the level of added sugars without compromising on quality, safety and taste”.
When TOI contacted Nestle India, its spokesperson said, “Over the past 5 years, Nestle India has reduced added sugars by up to 30 per cent.. in our infant cereals portfolio”.
The spokesperson was further quoted: “We regularly review our portfolio and continue to innovate and reformulate our products to further reduce the levels of added sugars without compromising on quality, safety and taste.”
Comparison of Sugar in ‘Cerelac’ in Different Nations
According to the report, in India, where sales surpassed $250 million in 2022, all Cerelac baby cereals contain added sugar, on average nearly 3 grams per serving.
The publication, through a graphic, explained the added sugar content of the same Cerelac wheat product in different countries.
Thailand: 6 gram per portion
Ethiopia: 5.2 gram per portion
South Africa: 4 gram per portion
Pakistan: 2.7 gram per portion
India: 2.2 gram per portion
Bangladesh: 1.6 gram per portion
UK: Zero gram per portion
Germany: Zero gram per portion
France: Zero gram per portion
Note: A sugar cube or a teaspoon is roughly 4 gm.
The report further stated that interestingly, Nestle’s website giving advice on nutrition for babies states: “It is not recommended to add sugar when preparing food for your baby, nor to offer him sugary drinks. Some leading nutrition and health experts suggest that fruit juices should not be introduced in the first year because of their relatively high natural sugar content. …Avoid juice drinks or other mixed drinks, which have added sweeteners. Always check the label.”
This doesn’t seem to apply to its own products sold in low and middle income countries, TOI added.
The report quoted Nigel Rollins, a scientist at WHO told Public Eye and IBFAN: “There is a double standard here that can’t be justified.” He added that the fact that Nestle doesn’t add sugar to these products in Switzerland but is quite happy to do it in lower resources settings “is problematic both from a public health & ethical perspective.”
What Does WHO Say on Excess Consumption of Sugar?
The Public Eye and IBFAN quoted World Health Organization (WHO) as warning that exposure to sugar early in life can create a life-long preference for sugary products increasing the risk of developing obesity and other chronic illnesses.
In 2022, WHO had called for a ban on added sugars and sweeteners in food products for babies, and urged industry to “be proactive” and “support public health goals” by reformulating its products.