Nestle includes sugar in infant milk sold in developing countries, excludes Europe & UK.

Nestle, a global food and beverage company, has come under scrutiny for adding sugar to infant milk products sold in developing countries while excluding it in European markets like Germany, France, and the UK. A recent investigation conducted by Public Eye and IBFAN revealed that Nestle’s Cerelac baby cereals in India contain nearly 3 grams of added sugar per serving, whereas the same product sold in Europe does not contain any added sugar.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over this double standard, stating that early exposure to sugar can lead to a lifelong preference for sugary products and increase the risk of obesity and chronic illnesses. WHO had previously called for a ban on added sugars in baby food products in 2022, urging the industry to prioritize public health goals by reformulating their products.

Nestle has defended its practices by highlighting a global reduction in added sugars in its infant cereal portfolio over the past decade. A spokesperson for Nestle India stated that they have reduced added sugars in their infant cereals by up to 30% in the last 5 years and continue to innovate and reformulate their products without compromising quality, safety, and taste.

Despite these assertions, the discrepancy in sugar content between Nestle’s products in different regions raises ethical and public health concerns. The company’s advice on nutrition for babies, which discourages the use of added sugar and sweetened drinks, seems inconsistent with the actual sugar content in their products sold in lower-income countries. Nestle has yet to address the questions raised by Public Eye and IBFAN regarding this issue.