Written By: Satata Karmakar | Updated : April 18, 2024 8:01 PM IST
Nestle Cerelac Baby Food Controversy: Report Claims Company Adds 3 gm Sugar In Every Serving Of Cerelac Sold In India
Nestle Cerelac Controversy: Two of the best-selling baby-food brands by Nestle in India contain high levels of added sugar, while such products are sugar-free in the UK, Germany Switzerland, and other developed nations, according to an investigation by Public Eye. According to the report, Nestle, which is the world's largest consumer goods company, adds 3gm of sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products in several countries, a violation of international guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases. The report added that this violation was only found in the products which were being sold in Asian, African, and Latin American countries. "India has taken note of the report and is examining the charges against the baby-food products," an official informed the media after the report stirred controversy across the nation.
Findings in the recently published study stated that in India, all 15 Cerelac baby food products contain an average of nearly 3 grams of sugar per serving. The same product is being sold with no added sugar in Germany and the UK, while in Ethiopia and Thailand, it contains nearly 6 grams, the study said. The amount of added sugar is often not even disclosed in the nutritional information available on the packaging of these kinds of products.
"While Nestle prominently highlights the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients contained in its products using idealizing imagery, it's not transparent when it comes to added sugar," the report said.
As per data, Nestle sold over 20,000-Crore worth of Cerelac products in India in 2022.
In a reply to the shocking report, Nestle released a statement saying, "The company has reduced the total amount of added sugars in its infant cereals portfolio by 30% over the past five years and it continues to "review" and "reformulate" products to reduce them further. "We believe in the nutritional quality of our products for early childhood and prioritise using high-quality ingredients."
Often unnoticed, sugar sneaks into numerous daily consumables, sparking concerns among parents and health enthusiasts about its implications on a child's health. Undeniably, quick energy is a boon; however, overindulgence paves the path for diverse health hazards, namely obesity, tooth decay, and an escalated risk of developing chronic illnesses.
Guidelines from The American Heart Association throw light on the ideal sugar consumption for children, hinting 25 grams (equivalent to six teaspoons) as the maximum allowance of added sugar per day for 2 to 18-year-old kids. This direction is an essential tool for parents, helping them monitor their child's dietary decisions and control the possible health challenges tied with increased sugar consumption.
Recommended maximum daily sugar intake for babies varies by their age:
| Age 4-6 | 19 g (5 teaspoons) |
| Age 7- 10 | 24 g( 6 teaspoons) |
| Age 11 and up | 30g (7 teaspoons) |
Children under 4 have no specific sugar limit but should avoid sugary drinks and foods with added sugar. Prioritizing nutritious options helps kids maintain a balanced diet and supports their overall health.
An excess amount of sugar in baby foods can pose a significant threat to an infant's health as it can lead to unhealthy weight gain, increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, and negatively impact dental health. Parents can play a vital role in safeguarding their children's health by restricting sugar intake and promoting nutritious alternatives.
Speaking to TheHealthSite.com, Dr Rajadeepa Chatterjee, Apollo Hospitals, said, "Excess sugar uptake can result in health complications like obesity, dental decay, and a higher propensity to chronic illnesses later in life. High sugar consumption from baby food significantly contributes to speeded weight gain and obesity in babies and toddlers. Early childhood obesity is serious, as it can pave the way for obesity-related issues in the future, such as type 2 diabetes, heart issues, and high blood pressure."
Find nutritious sugar alternatives from nature and some of the easy prepared at home for quick use:
Some other alternatives to processed sugar for babies:
| Sweetener | Nutrition |
| Dates Powder | Iron, Potassium, and Calcium |
| Apple Sauce | Vitamin C, Iron, and potassium |
| Banana Powder | Potassium, calcium, and phosphorous |
| Raisin Syrup | Vitamin B, Iron, and Potassium |
Bottom Line: As per experts adding an excess amount of sugar to baby foods, which is highly addictive, is a dangerous and unnecessary practice.
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