Report Reveals Nestlé Adds More Sugar to Baby Food in Lower-Income Countries

A recent report by the nonprofit group Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) has exposed a concerning disparity in the sugar content of Nestlé's baby food products sold in different countries. The investigation found that Nestlé adds significantly more sugar to its infant cereals and milk powders marketed in lower and middle-income nations compared to the same products sold in wealthier markets.

According to the report, Nestlé's best-selling baby food brands, Cerelac instant cereal and Nido powdered milk, contained up to 7.3 grams of added sugar per serving in countries such as Thailand, Ethiopia, South Africa, India, and Bangladesh. In sharp contrast, the identical products sold in the United Kingdom and Germany contained no added sugar at all.

The researchers also discovered that in several countries, Nestlé failed to declare the added sugar content on the packaging of these baby food products. This lack of transparency raises concerns about parents' ability to make informed choices about the food they feed their infants and young children.

Why this matters: The findings highlight a troubling double standard in the nutritional quality of baby food products based on a country's economic status. The higher sugar content in products marketed to lower-income countries raises serious public health concerns, as excessive sugar consumption from an early age can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health issues later in life.

In response to the report, Nestlé stated that the variations in sugar content across countries are due to factors such as local regulations and the availability of ingredients. The company claimed that these differences do not compromise the overall nutritional value of their products. However, the researchers from Public Eye expressed regret that Nestlé continues to add sugar to its baby food in lower-income countries despite the potential health risks.

The report's findings have already prompted investigations and calls for stricter regulation of baby food products in countries such as India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. As governments and health authorities confront this issue, the spotlight remains on Nestlé to address the disparities in its product formulations and prioritize the health and well-being of infants and young children across all markets, regardless of economic status.

Key Takeaways

• Nestlé adds more sugar to baby foods sold in poorer countries vs. wealthier ones.
• Nestlé's Cerelac and Nido products had up to 7.3g added sugar per serving in poorer nations.
• Nestlé failed to disclose added sugar content on packaging in several countries.
• Excessive sugar in baby foods linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.
• Investigations and calls for stricter regulation of baby food products in some countries.