Nestlé Under Scrutiny for Sugar Addition in Infant Products Sold in Developing Countries
Source: The DairyNews
A recent investigation by Zurich-based watchdog Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) has revealed that Nestlé, a global food and beverage giant, adds sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in developing countries, while refraining from doing so in European markets. This practice has raised concerns over its potential health implications and ethical considerations.
The study, which examined 150 products fr om Nestlé, including popular brands Cerelac and Nido, found significant disparities in sugar content between regions. In developing countries, Cerelac cereals targeted at infants as young as six months contained added sugar equivalent to an average of 4 grams per serving, with some products containing as much as 7.3 grams per serving. Similarly, Nido powdered-milk products aimed at toddlers aged one to three contained almost two grams of added sugar per serving.
What's more, the investigation revealed that Nestlé's European markets, including Switzerland, Germany, the U.K., and France, do not have added sugar in equivalent products, leading to accusations of a "double standard" in the company's practices.
While Nestlé maintains that its portfolio complies with local regulations and international standards, critics argue that the undisclosed addition of sugar poses a risk to infant health, particularly in regions wh ere obesity rates are high. The World Health Organization (WHO) European guidelines recommend avoiding sugars in food for children under three, reflecting growing global concerns about early sugar consumption.
Despite Nestlé's claims of reducing sugar content in its infant cereals over the last decade, questions remain about transparency in labeling and marketing practices. The use of influencer marketing, particularly targeting parents and caregivers, has come under scrutiny for potentially misleading consumers about the nutritional value of Nestlé products.
As debates over sugar consumption and childhood obesity continue, stakeholders call for greater transparency and accountability in the infant food industry to ensure the health and well-being of children worldwide.
What's more, the investigation revealed that Nestlé's European markets, including Switzerland, Germany, the U.K., and France, do not have added sugar in equivalent products, leading to accusations of a "double standard" in the company's practices.
While Nestlé maintains that its portfolio complies with local regulations and international standards, critics argue that the undisclosed addition of sugar poses a risk to infant health, particularly in regions wh ere obesity rates are high. The World Health Organization (WHO) European guidelines recommend avoiding sugars in food for children under three, reflecting growing global concerns about early sugar consumption.
Despite Nestlé's claims of reducing sugar content in its infant cereals over the last decade, questions remain about transparency in labeling and marketing practices. The use of influencer marketing, particularly targeting parents and caregivers, has come under scrutiny for potentially misleading consumers about the nutritional value of Nestlé products.
As debates over sugar consumption and childhood obesity continue, stakeholders call for greater transparency and accountability in the infant food industry to ensure the health and well-being of children worldwide.
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