Nestlé has been accused of adding sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many low-income countries but not in wealthier countries.
A report has discovered that this contradicts international guidelines that are designed to prevent obesity and chronic diseases.
This accusation comes from a report by Public Eye, a Swiss investigation group in collaboration with the International Baby Food Action Network, a coalition focused on improving maternal and infant health.
The findings that have been published show that the global food company based in Switzerland adds sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold to Nigeria and other countries such as India, Brazil, and the Philippines.
Researchers’ Significant Discovery About Each Individual Country.
Researchers gathered that biscuit-flavored cereals for babies aged six months and older contained 6g of added sugar per serving in Senegal and South Africa.
On average, each serving of Cerelac products sold in India contains over 2.7g of additional sugar, as indicated by the test results.
In Brazil, where Cerelac is known as Mucilon, two of eight products were found to have no added sugar but the other six contained nearly 4g for each serving in Nigeria, one product tested had up to 6.8g.
Meanwhile, tests on products from the Nido brand, which has worldwide retail sales of more than $1 billion, revealed significant variation in sugar levels.
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The report noted that similar products in Nestle’s European markets contain no added sugar.
In Switzerland, where Nestle’s headquarters is situated, such products are sold with no added sugar.
Similarly, in Germany, France, and the UK which are Nestle’s main European markets, all formulas for young children aged 12-36 months sold by the company contain no added sugar.
Guidelines On Infant Food
World Health Organization, (WHO) has consistently warned that baby foods with high levels of sugar are not suitable for infants under the age of six months to prevent obesity, chronic diseases, and an addiction to sweeteners.
“The first two years of a child’s life are particularly important, as optimal nutrition during this period lowers morbidity and mortality, reduces the risk of chronic disease, and fosters better development overall,” it said.
The guidelines set by the European region of the organization strictly forbid the inclusion of sugars or sweetening agents in food intended for children under the age of three. While there are no explicit guidelines for other regions, it is widely believed that the regulations applicable to European Union regions are applicable globally.
Nevertheless, Nestle has been disregarding these recommendations by incorporating a substantial amount of sugar in its products sold in Nigeria and other countries with low-income populations.
Additional Findings
The inquiry revealed that Nestle utilized medical professionals and health experts to endorse its products, even though they did not adhere to the standard guidelines.
It said using professionals in white coats leads parents to believe eminent scientific authorities endorse these products.
The Swiss multinational baby food company has operated in Nigeria for decades and established a strong market presence.
In 2022, the Chief Executive Officer of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Wassim El-Husseini, said that the country consumes 25 percent of its global fortified food and beverages, estimated at $16. 2 billion.
Mr El-Husseini said, “Central West Africa Region is so important for the Nestle group because we produce and consume 44 percent of the global population, of which Nigeria is more than half of it. So, we are more than 25 percent.”
Nestle Reacts To Allegation Of Adding Sugar To Infant Formulas In Nigeria
Nestle Nigeria, a branch of the multinational food and beverage corporation Nestle, has refuted claims of sugar addition to its products sold in Nigeria. The company firmly asserts that it is adhering to the international regulations governing infant formulas and is not in violation of them.
This was contained in a statement issued and shared with PREMIUM TIMES by the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Victoria Uwadoka.
Nestle Nigeria, a subsidiary of the Swiss-based multinational company, said it complies with the global requirements on the usage of sugar and supplies quality products to every part of the world.
The Company’s Denial
The statement contradicts the results of a recent inquiry that exposed Nestle’s sale of inferior infant food items to Nigeria and other nations with low and moderate incomes.
“For Nestlé, not all babies are equal when it comes to added sugar,” the report said.
Sugar In Nigeria Cerelac
Sugar residues, including sucrose and honey, were found in specimens of Cerelac, a cereal designed for children aged six months to two years, as well as in Nido, a follow-up milk formula targeted for infants aged one year and above.
Reacting to these claims, Nestle Nigeria said the multinational company provided the same nutrition, health, and wellness principles everywhere in the world.
According to the company, Cerelac may have slight variations in recipes worldwide.
It also said, “In Europe, Nestlé’s range of cereals comes with and without added sugars.
“Like everywhere in the world, in Nigeria, we do not add sugars (sucrose and glucose) to Infant formula for children aged 0-12 months.
It said, “These principles are aligned with both international and local guidelines, noting that baby formulas in Nigeria for children 0-12 do not add sugar contents. Nigeria, our Growing Up Milk has no added sugars.
“Our milk and cereals for young children are fortified with vitamins and minerals such as iron to help tackle malnutrition.”
