The Government of India has become aware of reports indicating that Nestle may have included sugar in infant milk products sold in the country. A top government official has stated that they will launch an investigation into the matter after conducting proper due diligence. The Department of Consumer Affairs is planning to take action under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, involving the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to examine samples of Nestle’s infant food.
News reports have revealed findings from a Swiss investigative organization suggesting that Nestle's Cerelac baby cereals in various countries, including India, South Africa, and Brazil, have added sugar content. In India alone, where Nestle's sales exceeded $250 million in 2022, it was reported that all Cerelac baby cereals contain an average of 3 grams of added sugar per serving. Notably, Nestle's practices of adjusting sugar content in Cerelac differ between Asian countries and developed markets like the US and Europe.
A significant portion of Cerelac's global sales, surpassing $1 billion in 2022, occurs in low- and middle-income countries, with Brazil and India being key markets. Public Eye, the Swiss investigative organization, conducted tests on Nestle's baby food products from various regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America, uncovering the presence of added sugars in samples of Nido and Cerelac. Nestle India has responded by stating that they have reduced added sugars by up to 30 per cent in their infant cereals over the past five years, emphasizing their commitment to innovation and product reformulation without compromising quality, safety, or taste.