Recommended Sugar Levels in Nestle Baby Food: Chairman States 13.6g per 100g, Cerelac at 7.1g
Nestle has clarified its stance regarding the addition of excessive sugar in its baby product ‘Cerelac’. The company states that it does not violate any regulations in India. Suresh Narayanan, Nestle India’s Chairman and Managing Director (MD), stated that Cerelac sold in India adheres to the food safety standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
According to local standards (FSSAI), Cerelac should contain a maximum of 13.6 grams of sugar per 100 grams of feed, while Nestle’s baby food contains 7.1 grams.
Narayanan emphasized that allegations of adding excessive sugar in impoverished countries are unfounded. He mentioned that both ‘added sugar’ and ‘excessive sugar’ products are available in Asian and European markets, leaving the choice to parents.
The Public Eye report highlighted concerns about increased sugar content. It stated that Nestle has been adding sugar and fat beyond the required limits in baby food products sold in Asia and Africa.
The company claimed compliance with local standards. After the report, the central government was urged to investigate the matter. The stock exchanges (BSE, NSE) also sought clarification from the company. Nestle reiterated that baby food falls under highly regulated categories, and they adhere to both local and international standards wherever they operate.
Public Eye and IBFAN Reports on Sugar Levels in Baby Foods
According to reports from Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), nearly all cereal-based baby foods sold in Asia, Latin America, and Africa contain an average of 4 grams of sugar per serving for infants up to six months. Public Eye conducted tests on 150 products of the company in Belgium’s lab.
In the Philippines, the maximum sugar content per serving is 7.3 grams, while in Nigeria, it is 6.8 grams, and in Senegal, it is 5.9 grams. Moreover, information on sugar levels in products was not provided by 15 out of 17 countries.
Reportedly, Nestle adds an average of 3 grams of sugar to each serving of its baby cereals in India. Additionally, a 100-gram serving of Cerelac for infants aged 6 to 24 months contains a total of 24 grams of sugar.
The report accuses Nestle of not being transparent about the sugar levels in its products, highlighting that while the company prominently advertises vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, it fails to disclose the sugar content in the mixtures. According to WHO guidelines, children under three years of age should not consume sugar or sweeteners.
