A recent report by Public Eye has uncovered Nestlé’s practice of adding sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many low-income countries, contradicting international guidelines aimed at curbing obesity and chronic diseases. The findings reveal a stark contrast in sugar content between products sold in wealthier regions and those marketed in less affluent areas.
According to the investigation, samples of Nestlé’s baby-food products, including the Nido follow-up milk formula and Cerelac cereal, were found to contain added sugars such as sucrose or honey. This practice diverges from Nestlé’s formulations in European markets, where no added sugar is present in formulas for young children, and cereals targeted at babies between six months and one year.
Laurent Gaberell, an expert in agriculture and nutrition at Public Eye, emphasized the need for Nestlé to address these disparities, stating, “Nestlé must put an end to these dangerous double standards and stop adding sugar in all products for children under three years old, in every part of the world.”
The prevalence of added sugars in infant products is particularly concerning given the rising rates of obesity in low- and middle-income countries. According to the World Health Organization, the number of overweight children under five in Africa has surged by nearly 23% since 2000, highlighting the urgency of addressing nutritional practices.
The report also sheds light on the challenges consumers face in discerning sugar content based on packaging alone, as labels often lump naturally occurring sugars with added sugars under the same category. While WHO guidelines for the European region strictly prohibit added sugars in food for children under three, similar guidance is lacking for other regions, underscoring the need for consistent standards globally.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for Nestlé defended the nutritional quality of their products for early childhood, stating that the company prioritizes using high-quality ingredients tailored to children’s growth and development. However, she noted that variations in recipes are influenced by factors such as regulation and the availability of local ingredients.
Despite Nestlé’s assurance of compliance with local regulations and international standards, concerns persist regarding the impact of added sugars on infant health, especially in regions where obesity rates are on the rise. Public Eye’s findings underscore the importance of transparent labeling and concerted efforts by manufacturers to align with established nutritional guidelines to safeguard the health of vulnerable populations.