Nestlé India has been under scrutiny after being accused of incorporating 'added sugar' in baby food sold across South Asian, African, and Latin American countries. In response to these allegations, Nestlé has stated that they have been actively working to decrease the amount of added sugars in their products, with reductions of up to 30% achieved over the past five years. The company asserts that they regularly evaluate their product range, focusing on innovation and reformulation to minimize the levels of added sugars while maintaining nutritional value, quality, safety, and taste.
Sweetening agents like syrups are commonly added to processed foods and beverages, classified as added sugars and considered more detrimental than natural sugars found in sources such as fruits and milk. Nestlé also reiterated its commitment to ensuring that products manufactured in India adhere strictly to CODEX standards, a global food safety commission established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), as well as local specifications. They highlight that compliance is a fundamental principle for Nestlé India, emphasizing their dedication to meeting regulatory requirements related to all nutrients, including added sugars.
A recent report by a Swiss NGO and the International Baby Food Action Network raised concerns about the sugar content in baby food products sold in various countries, asserting that some exceeded international food safety guidelines. Specifically, the report indicated discrepancies in the sugar content of Nestlé's wheat-based product, Cerelac, designed for six-month-old babies. While the product contained no added sugars in the UK and Germany, versions sold in countries like India and Thailand were reported to have varying levels of added sugar per serving. The company maintained that their infant cereal products are meticulously crafted to provide essential nutritional requirements crucial for early childhood, including protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and iron, vowing to enhance the nutritional profile of their offerings through a global research and development network.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises against introducing added sugars in baby food before the age of two to prevent the development of addictive eating behaviors and a preference for sweet flavors in infants, which could lead to long-term health complications. Concerns over the inclusion of added sugars in infant products underscore the necessity for strict adherence to regulatory standards and transparency in labeling to safeguard consumer health and well-being.