A 2024 report by Public Eye, a Swiss NGO, found that Nestle's baby food products in some Asian and African countries contain added sugar, while the same products are sugar-free in Europe.
The report claims Nestle's Cerelac baby cereal contains an average of nearly 3 grams of added sugar per serving in India, while the sugar content wasn't even declared on packaging in some countries like the Philippines.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no added sugar for infants under the age of 2. Added sugar can contribute to childhood obesity, dental cavities, and other health problems.
Critics argue Nestle is exploiting lax regulations in developing countries to add sugar to baby food, which they wouldn't do in countries with stricter regulations.
Nestle India claims they have reduced added sugar content in their baby cereals over the past few years. However, they haven't addressed the discrepancy between formulations in different countries.
India's food safety regulator, FSSAI, is investigating the issue after the report sparked public outcry.
This organization, along with Public Eye, is calling for stricter international regulations on sugar content in baby food.
Ideally, parents should have access to baby food with minimal added sugar, regardless of their location.
Clear labeling of ingredients and sugar content is crucial to allow parents to make informed decisions.
Breastmilk is the ideal source of nutrition for infants and does not contain added sugar. It's recommended by health organizations for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for up to two years or beyond.