Nestle Reacts After Report Claims Cerelac Sold in India Has 2.7gm of Sugar: 'Reduction a Priority'

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.

Amid High Sugar Content Report, Nestle India Shares Sink

Shares of Nestle India on Thursday fell up to 5.4 per cent to the day’s low at Rs 2,409.55 on BSE amid the revelation by Public Eye and IBFAN. Today’s fall in shares of Nestle, regarded as a long-term compounding machine, was the worst single-day drop in the last 3 years.