Nestle Getting Children Hooked On Sugar? 3 gm In Every Serving Of Cerelac Sold In India, Reveals Study

nestle getting children hooked on sugar? 3 gm in every serving of cerelac, reveals study

New Delhi: An investigation by Public Eye has revealed that two of Nestle’s best-selling baby-food brands in India contain high levels of added sugar, contrary to products in developed nations like the United Kingdom, Germany, and Switzerland. This finding raises concerns about Nestle’s adherence to international guidelines aimed at curbing obesity and chronic diseases. The report highlights that Nestle adds sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products in several countries, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

In India, all 15 Cerelac baby products were found to contain an average of nearly 3 grams of sugar per serving, while the same products in Germany and the UK are marketed as sugar-free. Similarly, Cerelac products in Ethiopia and Thailand were found to contain nearly 6 grams of sugar per serving. Notably, the amount of added sugar is often undisclosed in the nutritional information provided on the packaging of these products.

While Nestle highlights the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in its products through idealised imagery, it lacks transparency regarding added sugar, according to the report. Notably, Nestle’s Cerelac products alone generated over Rs 20,000 crore in revenue in India in 2022.

Experts warn that adding sugar to baby products can lead to harmful consequences, as it fosters a preference for sweet tastes and increases the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases later in life. Rodrigo Vianna, an epidemiologist and Professor at the Department of Nutrition of the Federal University of Paraiba in Brazil, expressed concern over this practice, noting the potential long-term health implications.

Responding to the allegations, a spokesperson for Nestle India said that the company complies with all local regulations and international standards. They said Nestle India’s efforts to reduce added sugars across its infant cereal range by up to 30% over the past five years.

Nestle’s assurance notwithstanding, the investigation underscores the need for greater transparency and scrutiny regarding the nutritional content of baby food products, especially in regions where added sugars pose significant health risks.