Nestle's baby food sugar controversy

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A recent report by Swiss NGO Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) has revealed stark differences in the sugar content of Nestle’s baby products across various nations. Around 150 Nestle’s baby products from different countries were investigated and it was revealed that south asian (including India), African, Latin American markets contains significantly higher sugar levels than those in Europe.
Nestle’s wheat-based product–Cerelac, designed for six-month-old babies sold in UK and Germany boasts no added sugar whereas its counterpart in India contained 2.7g of added sugar per serving. Shockingly, the sugar content soared to 6 grams in Thailand, the highest among the products tested.
The Reason?
When sugar is added to baby formula food, babies are much more likely to drink it up because of its pleasing taste. With happy parents purchasing the products, it boosts the bottom line of companies.
why is this concerning?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises against introducing added sugars before age two. Doing so can lead to addictive eating habits and a preference for sweet tastes from an early age.
Excessive sugar intake can also cause weight gain and obesity and increase the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers later in life.
Indian scenario:
In India, regulations governing infant nutrition standards do not specify an upper limit for added sugars.These regulations permit the use of corn syrup and malt in cereal-based infant food.

Do you know any similar controversies? What are your thoughts on Nestle’s Products?

MBH/AB

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A troubling double standard, A recent Public Eye report, backed by IBFAN, revealed that Cerelac products in India contain about 3 grams of added sugar per serving, while the same product in European markets like the UK and Germany has none. This raises early taste concerns and risks of obesity in babies. The Indian regulator FSSAI is investigating, and campaigners say sugar isn’t necessary for infant health it only trains sweet preferences.

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This is really concerning. Babies are very vulnerable and early exposre to sugar can have long-term effects on them. Regulations should be stricter prioritising health over pleasing the parents and the consumers.

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Nestle’s is always in controversy for some other thing, still running perfectly.

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