The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated an inquiry into Nestle India after a report by Swiss investigative organization Public Eye claimed that Nestle, the world’s largest packaged food company, adds sugar to its baby food products in low-income countries, including India, while refraining from doing so in its main markets in Europe and the UK.
According to the Economic Times (ET), Public Eye released a report on Wednesday detailing the findings of product testing conducted in a Belgian laboratory. The report revealed that in India, all 15 products under Nestle’s Cerelac brand, designed for infants aged six months and older, contained an average of nearly three grams of added sugar per serving. However, the report noted that the added sugar content was declared on the product packaging.
In response to the allegations, the FSSAI has pledged to thoroughly investigate the matter and take stringent action against Nestle if the company is found to be at fault. The regulatory body affirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of food products in the country.
Nestle India shares experienced a significant decline following the news, closing 3.3% lower on Thursday, marking their worst performance since October 2022. In contrast, Nestle SA shares were up 0.5%.
In a statement to Reuters, Nestle India asserted that its products manufactured in India are in “full and strict compliance with CODEX standards (a commission established by WHO and FAO) and local specifications (as required) pertaining to the requirements of all nutrients including added sugars.” The company also highlighted that over the past five years, it has reduced added sugars by up to 30%, depending on the variant, in its infant cereals portfolio.
Nestle SA told Public Eye that it complies with the World Health Organization Code and subsequent World Health Assembly resolutions as implemented by national governments worldwide. However, the company did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report.
The FSSAI’s investigation into Nestle India’s baby food products has raised concerns among consumers and stakeholders alike. As the probe unfolds, the public will be closely watching to see how the regulatory body addresses the allegations and ensures the well-being of infants and young children in the country.
