When it comes to nurturing our little humans, we tend to roll around entrusting brands like Nestlé. But what happens when the brand itself is under a ‘sweet’ veil depriving a whole generation? Let’s delve deeper into the story of the top baby food and cereal brand, Nestlé, and its fondness for a not-so-innocent ingredient – Sugar.

A recent update took Nestlé and its baby food products to the spotlight across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. A report by Swiss NGO, Public Eye, and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) has unearthed disconcerting findings about the brand. Nestlé baby products in less developed countries, including India, Africa, and Latin America, contain higher sugar content compared to other parts of the world including Europe and the UK.

Why is this concerning?

Sugar – As we all are aware can cause several diseases if consumed on a regular basis. But it can wreak havoc on infant health if introduced early. From diabetes risk to tooth decay, the consequences are far-reaching.

The most reliable product, Cerelac is Nestlé’s wheat-based offering for six-month-old babies. As per the report, each serving of Cerelac contains approximately 2.7 grams of added sugar. This is the case for our country, while Nestlé in the UK and Germany serves a sugar-free product.

Regulation lens

The Food and Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) is probing the allegations. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) also raises its vigilant brow. Let’s hope for compliance, transparency and accountability.

Nestlé’s point of view

Nestlé India spokesperson said, “We would like to assure you 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. 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. We also ensure that our products manufactured in India are in full and strict compliance with CODEX standards (a commission established by WHO and FAO) and local specifications (as required) pertaining to the requirements all nutrients including added sugars.

Reduction of added sugars is a priority for Nestlé India. Over the past 5 years, we have already reduced added sugars by up to 30%, depending on the variant. 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.

Nestlé India is committed to delivering the best nutrition to our consumers, which we have been doing for  over 100 years and would always maintain highest standards of Nutrition, Quality and Safety in our products.”

Bottomline

The question persists: Why the variance across borders? Is it a matter of taste preferences or something more insidious?

As parents and conscious consumers, we must demand clarity. Transparency labels should transcend borders. Children deserve the same nutritional integrity across the world. Perhaps it’s time that all baby cereal manufacturers focus on the optimal balance between profit margins and health.

The post Nestlé’s Baby Products and the Bittersweet Truth: The Sugar Conundrum appeared first on Media Infoline.