Nestlé Accused of Endangering African Infants With Sugary Baby Foods

Nestlé is under renewed scrutiny after a rights group accused the world’s largest food company of adding sugar to baby cereals sold across Africa while offering sugar-free versions of the same products in wealthier countries.

In a report released on Tuesday, Swiss-based NGO Public Eye said laboratory tests on nearly 100 samples of Nestlé’s Cerelac infant cereal from more than 20 African markets showed that the majority contained added sugar, in some cases averaging about six grammes per serving.

The group said such levels exposed infants to unhealthy amounts of sweetness at an early age, shaping taste preferences and increasing the risk of obesity later in life.

By contrast, Cerelac sold in European countries such as Switzerland, Germany and the United Kingdom carries no added sugar, the group said, prompting accusations of “double standards” in how Nestlé formulates products for different regions.

The findings triggered a coordinated response from civil society organisations across Africa, with campaigners calling on the company to remove added sugar from baby foods and align its practices globally.

They argue that health risks linked to excessive sugar consumption are heightened in countries already struggling with rising cases of childhood obesity and malnutrition.

Nestlé rejected the allegations, saying its products meet international food safety and nutrition standards.

The company said that some of the sugars identified in the report come naturally from ingredients such as fruit, milk or cereals and should not be confused with refined sugar.

When naturally occurring sugars are excluded, the amount of added sugar remains within acceptable limits, it said.

The company added that it is expanding its range of no-added-sugar infant cereals and aims to offer these varieties in all markets by the end of 2025.

It said sugar levels in its baby foods are continuously being reduced as part of broader reformulation efforts.

Public Eye’s investigation follows similar claims last year that Nestlé added sugar to other children’s products sold in low- and middle-income countries while offering sugar-free versions in Europe.

Health advocates say the latest findings highlughts the need for stronger regulation of infant foods to ensure consistent nutritional standards and prevent practices that disproportionately affect children in emerging markets

gandae@businessdayafrica.org