Indian food regulator to probe Nestlé over allegations of high sugar in baby food

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has started an investigation on Nestlé India over the alleged use of sugar in baby food products in low-income countries, including India, reported The Economic Times. The allegation is made by a Swiss investigative agency Public Eye, which specialises in corporate wrongdoing.

Investigation on Nestlé

As per Mint, the FSSAI will analyze the findings of Public Eye's report, and present it before a scientific panel for further assessment. Public Eye, earlier this week along with International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) published the results of its investigation into various brands of infant milk and cereals sold by Nestlé across developing nations.

As per the findings, Nestlé has allegedly added sugar and honey in its two primary brands—Cerelac and Nodi which are sold in parts of Africa, Latin America and Asia. However the excess sugar is not found in the products sold in its main markets in Europe or US.

“Almost all Cerelac infant cereals examined contain added sugar–nearly 4 gm per serving on average, equal to roughly a sugar cube– although they are targeted at babies from six months of age. The highest amount—7.3 gm per serving—was detected in a product sold in the Philippines", said Public Eye report.

Nestlé's Response

In response to the Public Eye report, Nestlé in its statement has refuted the claims and assured that Products manufactured in India are in "full and strict compliance" with global food standards, and local specifications pertaining to the requirements of all nutrients, including added sugars.

“We would like to assure that our infant cereal products are manufactured to ensure the appropriate delivery of nutritional requirements, such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, iron, etc., for early childhood. We never compromise and will never compromise on the nutritional quality of our products," a company spokesperson said in a statement.

“We constantly leverage our extensive global research and development network to enhance the nutritional profile of our products. Compliance is an essential characteristic of Nestlé India, and we will never compromise on that."

The Swiss food company further added that in India the products are manufactured in full and strict compliance with CODEX standards (a commission established by WHO and FAO).

Nestlé Food Products

As per Nestlé India, the company has reduced added sugars by up to 30%, across its infant cereal range, depending on the variant in the past five years.

“We regularly review our portfolio and continue to innovate and reformulate our products to further reduce the level of added sugars, without compromising on nutrition, quality, safety, and taste", the firm said

However, in Europe, and other developed markets, the company does not add any sugar to its infant nutrition products.

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