Nestle Denies 'Double Standard' Accusations Over Baby Food Sugar Content

Nestle, the Swiss food giant, has denied applying a 'double standard' after an NGO accused the company of selling baby food with high levels of added sugar in low-income countries, while not doing so in wealthier nations like Switzerland, Germany, and Britain. The report by Public Eye, a Swiss investigative organization, found that Nestle's Cerelac brand of flour-based cereals for six-month-olds contained more than 5 grams of sugar per portion in Ethiopia and 6 grams in Thailand, but had no added sugar in Germany or Britain.

Nestle stated that it applies the same nutrition, health, and wellness principles everywhere, and that its formula for babies under 12 months does not contain added sugars. The company said it has been phasing out added sugars worldwide in 'growing up milks' for children older than one year, and is working to make sugar-free options available globally. "We apply the same nutrition, health, and wellness principles everywhere, and slight variations in recipes are due to factors like regulations, consumer trends, and local ingredient availability," Nestle said in response to the accusations.

Why this matters: The report highlights concerns about the potential contribution of added sugars to rising childhood obesity rates in developing nations, which the World Health Organization has noted as a growing global issue. Multinational companies' marketing practices in low-income countries are facing increased scrutiny for their potential impact on public health.

However, Public Eye's report cited examples of Nestle's baby food products having significantly higher sugar content in lower-income countries compared to the same products sold in wealthier nations. The report suggests that even small amounts of added sugar can have a significant impact on babies' health, and that the sugar is added to encourage sales, not for health reasons.

The accusations have added to the pressure Nestle is already facing from activist shareholders and NGOs regarding the health impact of its products. The negative news has also raised concerns among shareholders, with investor sentiment towards the company being the lowest in more than 25 years.

In response to the report, Nestle emphasized that it adheres to strict international and local regulations on sugar content in its baby food products, and that any variations in recipes do not compromise the nutritional value of the products. The company reiterated its commitment to phasing out added sugars in its infant and young child products globally, while complying with labeling requirements and carbohydrate content limits.

Key Takeaways

• Nestle accused of selling baby food with high added sugar in poorer countries
• Nestle denies double standard, says variations due to regulations, trends, ingredients
• Report highlights concerns about added sugars contributing to childhood obesity
• Nestle faces pressure from activists and shareholders over health impact of products
• Nestle says it adheres to regulations and is phasing out added sugars globally