Investigations unveil Nestlé’s sugar content disparity in infant products across global markets
By Charity Nginyu
In a recent joint investigation by Zurich-based watchdog Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), Nestlé, the world’s largest consumer goods corporation, has come under scrutiny for its disparate approach to sugar content in infant milk and cereal products across different regions.
The investigation revealed Nestlé adds sugar and honey to its infant products in developing countries while omitting these additives in European markets.
According to TIMES, the study examined 150 products sold by Nestlé in low and middle-income nations across Asia, Latin America, and Africa and found alarming levels of added sugar in popular baby food brands such as Cerelac and Nido.
Cerelac wheat-based cereals targeted at infants from six months of age contained an average of 4 grams of added sugar per serving, equivalent to a sugar cube.
In some countries, such as the Philippines, Nigeria, and Senegal, the sugar content per serving reached as high as 7.3 grams.
Similarly, Nido powdered-milk products aimed at toddlers aged one to three contained nearly two grams of added sugar per serving, with some variants in Panama recording highs of 5.3 grams per portion.
This stark contrast in sugar content was further highlighted by the absence of added sugar in equivalent products sold in Nestlé’s home nation Switzerland, as well as other major European markets like Germany, the U.K., and France.
The report by Public Eye and IBFAN has raised concerns about Nestlé’s “double standard” approach, which they deem unjustifiable and problematic from both an ethical and public health standpoint.
The disparity in sugar content not only raises questions about Nestlé’s commitment to global health standards but also exacerbates existing health disparities between regions.
It should be recalled that The World Health Organization (WHO) European guidelines recommend that no sugars or sweetening agents should be used in food for children under the age of three, an internationally applicable recommendation.
However, Nestlé’s practices in developing countries appear to contradict these guidelines, potentially putting infants and toddlers at risk of health complications associated with excessive sugar intake.
