Consumer Affairs Ministry Urges FSSAI To Probe Nestle's Cerelac Baby Cereals Over Sugar Content Concerns

According to the reports in the media, the Consumer Affairs Ministry has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to investigate the composition of Nestle's Cerelac baby cereals sold in India, following allegations of higher sugar content in the product.

The move comes in response to a global report by Swiss NGO Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), which claimed that Nestle was selling baby products with elevated sugar levels in less developed South Asian countries, including India, Africa, and Latin American nations, compared to markets in Europe.

Speaking to PTI, Consumer Affairs Secretary and Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) chief Nidhi Khare stated, "We have written to the FSSAI to take cognizance of the report on Nestle's baby product." She highlighted concerns regarding the composition of Nestle Cerelac cereals in India, as outlined in various news articles.

According to Khare, the Swiss organization's report alleged that Nestle added 2.7 grams of sugar per serving of Cerelac baby cereals sold in India, while refraining from such practices in countries like Germany, Switzerland, France, and the UK.

Expressing serious concerns about the potential health implications for children, Khare emphasized the paramount importance of citizens' health and safety, particularly infants and young children.

In response to the reports, Khare urged FSSAI to initiate appropriate action into Nestle's practices regarding the composition of Cerelac baby cereals sold in India. She emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the facts.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has also issued notice to the FSSAI in response to the report.

In its defense, Nestle India stated that it has reduced added sugar in baby food products in India by up to 30 percent over the past five years. The company emphasized its commitment to compliance with CODEX standards and local specifications, ensuring strict adherence to safety standards.

According to the report, Cerelac products for six-month-old babies sold in the UK and Germany contain no added sugars, while samples from India showed an average of 2.7 grams of added sugar per serving. The highest sugar content was found in Thailand and the Philippines, raising concerns about undisclosed sugar levels on packaging in some cases.