
Nestlé Under Fire for Alleged "Double Standard" in Baby Food Sugar Content Across Countries
April 23, 2024 World
Major Swiss food company Nestlé faces accusations of adding excessive sugar to baby food sold in low- and middle-income countries, while similar products in wealthier nations contain little to none.
More sugar per serving in Nastlé's baby food
A report by the Swiss non-profit Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) highlights this discrepancy, citing data from Euromonitor. Their investigation reveals Nestlé's Cerelac instant cereal and Nido powdered milk containing significantly more sugar per serving in countries like Thailand, Ethiopia, and South Africa compared to those sold in Europe.
Public Eye criticizes this practice as a "harmful double standard" that could contribute to childhood obesity and establish a preference for sugary foods in young children. The report emphasizes that these findings are particularly concerning given Nestlé's own advice against added sugar for infants.
Nestlé, in response, claims variations in sugar content depend on factors like regulations and ingredient availability. The company maintains the nutritional value of their products remains consistent.
European consumer pressure has driven to reduce sugar
However, critics point out that consumer pressure in Europe has already driven Nestlé to reduce sugar in baby food there. This raises questions about the company's motives for maintaining a higher sugar content in less affluent markets.
The report's findings have sparked calls for action from governments and health organizations. Authorities in India and Bangladesh are reportedly looking into the allegations, while UNICEF urges stricter regulations on the nutritional content of baby food and a ban on added sugars.
Unhealthy dietary habits later in life
Nestlé maintains they've reduced added sugars in infant cereals globally and are phasing them out of "growing-up milk" for toddlers. The company also differentiates between added and total sugars, where total sugars can include naturally occurring lactose or those from fruits and purees.
Public Eye researchers argue that added sugar, regardless of source, can lead to a preference for overly sweet foods and potentially unhealthy dietary habits later in life.
This controversy highlights the ongoing debate about corporate marketing practices and their impact on public health, particularly in developing countries.