Indian Food Regulator Launches Probe into Nestle's Baby Food Sugar Content
Source: The DairyNews
The Indian food regulator has initiated an investigation into Nestle India following allegations of sugar use in baby food products in low-income countries, including India, by its Swiss parent company, as reported by the Economic Times (ET) on Thursday, according to Reuters.
A Swiss investigative organization, Public Eye, released a report on Wednesday, revealing that Nestle, the world's largest packaged food company, includes sugar in its baby food products sold in low-income nations in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, but not in its primary markets in Europe or the UK. The report, based on product testing conducted in a Belgian laboratory, highlighted that in India, all 15 products under Nestle's Cerelac brand for infants aged six months and older contained nearly three grams of added sugar per serving, on average. However, the packaging of the products reportedly disclosed the added sugar content.
In response to the allegations, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, according to the ET report. If Nestle is found culpable, the regulatory body has promised to take strict action against the brand, the ET report stated.
Nestle India's shares witnessed a 3.3% decline on Thursday, marking its worst performance since October 2022, while Nestle SA saw a 0.5% increase.
Nestle India, in its response to Reuters regarding the report, affirmed that its products manufactured in India adhere to CODEX standards and local specifications regarding nutrient requirements, including added sugars. The company also mentioned that it has reduced added sugars by up to 30% in its infant cereals portfolio over the past five years, depending on the variant.
Nestle SA stated to Public Eye that it complies with the World Health Organization Code and related World Health Assembly resolutions, as implemented by national governments worldwide. However, Nestle SA did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report.
In response to the allegations, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, according to the ET report. If Nestle is found culpable, the regulatory body has promised to take strict action against the brand, the ET report stated.
Nestle India's shares witnessed a 3.3% decline on Thursday, marking its worst performance since October 2022, while Nestle SA saw a 0.5% increase.
Nestle India, in its response to Reuters regarding the report, affirmed that its products manufactured in India adhere to CODEX standards and local specifications regarding nutrient requirements, including added sugars. The company also mentioned that it has reduced added sugars by up to 30% in its infant cereals portfolio over the past five years, depending on the variant.
Nestle SA stated to Public Eye that it complies with the World Health Organization Code and related World Health Assembly resolutions, as implemented by national governments worldwide. However, Nestle SA did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report.
