Sugar-Coated Policy: Nestlé's Dual Standards In Baby Food
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Nestlé, a dominant name in the global consumer goods industry, faces criticism for its inconsistent sugar policies in infant food products. The report by Public Eye exposes how Nestlé's popular Cerelac and other baby cereals contain added sugars in several lower-income countries, while the same products are sold sugar-free in Western nations such as the UK, Germany, and Switzerland. This revelation comes at a time when Nestlé prepares for its Annual General Meeting, amid growing scrutiny over its ethical practices.

The investigation by Public Eye scrutinized Nestlé’s product formulations across different markets, uncovering a stark disparity in the sugar content of its baby food products. In India, where Cerelac ranks as a top-selling baby food, each serving contains nearly 3 grams of added sugar. This contrasts sharply with the sugar-free formulations offered in the UK and Germany. This inconsistency is not limited to India; similar patterns emerge in African, Asian, and Latin American countries, where regulatory standards are less stringent.

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Despite Nestlé's public stance against added sugars in baby foods, the company exploits regulatory gaps to market sugary products in economically disadvantaged regions. For instance, Cerelac sold in South Africa contains over 4 grams of added sugar per serving, and even higher levels are noted in the Philippines and Nigeria, with more than 6.8 grams per serving. These figures starkly contrast with the sugar-free products marketed in wealthier countries.

The report further notes that Nestlé often omits detailed sugar content information on packaging, choosing instead to highlight the vitamins and minerals. This lack of transparency has sparked outrage and calls for Nestlé to end what many see as a harmful double standard that contributes to the rising obesity rates and establishes early preferences for sugary tastes among children.

In response to the allegations, a spokesperson from Nestlé India Ltd. claimed that the company has cut the added sugar in its baby cereals by 30% over the past five years. They emphasized ongoing efforts to reduce sugar content further and highlighted their commitment to nutritional quality.

Experts Weigh In

Experts are critical of Nestlé's practices. WHO scientist Nigel Rollins and epidemiologist Rodrigo Vianna point out the dangers of introducing sugar into infant diets. They say it's unnecessary and harmful, setting kids up for obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. The consensus is that Nestlé's double standard is unethical and unjustified. Sugar is not allowed in baby foods.



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Nestlé is under pressure from public health advocates and consumers to adopt global infant nutrition standards. The report's discrepancies highlight the global health standards challenge. The need for multinational corporations like Nestlé to prioritise health over profit and follow the highest nutritional standards regardless of geography and economy is highlighted.