Findings showed that in India, all 15 Cerelac baby products contain an average of nearly 3 grams of sugar per serving.

Investigation Findings

• High Levels of Added Sugar: Two of Nestle’s best-selling baby-food brands in India contain high levels of added sugar.
  • In contrast, similar products are sugar-free in the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and other developed nations.
• Public Eye Report: Nestle adds sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products in several countries.
  • This practice violates international guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases.
  • Violations were found only in Asian, African, and Latin American countries.

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Government Response

• India’s Action: The Indian government has taken note of the report. Charges against the baby-food products are being examined.
  • Findings from the study will be presented to a scientific panel.

Nestle’s Statement

• Reduction in Added Sugars: Nestle India Ltd. spokesperson stated that the company has reduced added sugars in its infant cereals portfolio by 30% over the past five years.
  • The company continues to “review” and “reformulate” products to reduce added sugars further.
• Nutritional Quality: Nestle emphasizes the nutritional quality of its products for early childhood. The company prioritizes using high-quality ingredients.

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Investigation Findings

• Sugar Content in Cerelac: In India, all 15 Cerelac baby products contain an average of nearly 3 grams of sugar per serving.
  • In Ethiopia and Thailand, Cerelac contains nearly 6 grams of sugar per serving.
• Disclosure Issues: The amount of added sugar is often not disclosed in the nutritional information on the packaging.
  • Nestle prominently highlights vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients using idealizing imagery, but lacks transparency about added sugar.

Ethical Concerns

• Double standards in product formulation: Nestle is using different formulations for the same product in different countries, with higher sugar content in developing nations compared to developed ones. This suggests a lack of ethical consistency in their global practices.
• Conflict between profit motives and public health: There’s a clear tension between Nestle’s business interests (creating palatable, sellable products) and the health interests of consumers, especially vulnerable populations like infants.
• Corporate social responsibility: This situation challenges Nestle’s claims of prioritizing nutrition and health, highlighting potential gaps between their stated values and actual practices.
• Lack of transparency: The report mentions that the amount of added sugar is often not disclosed on product packaging. This lack of transparency prevents parents from making fully informed decisions about their children’s nutrition.
• Potential for addiction: Experts cited in the report warn that sugar is highly addictive. By adding it to baby foods, Nestle may be cultivating lifelong consumers at the expense of children’s health.

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Conclusion

The investigation reveals Nestle’s unethical practices of adding undisclosed sugars to baby foods in developing nations, conflicting with their public health commitments and corporate values.