According to research, all 15 Cerelac baby products in India contain an average of nearly 3 grams of sugar per serving.
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In India, all 15 Cerelac baby products were found to contain an average of nearly 3 grams of sugar per serving, while the same products in Germany and the UK are sold as sugar-free. Similarly, Cerelac products from Ethiopia and Thailand were found to contain about 6 grams of sugar per serving. Notably, the nutrition facts on the packaging of these products often do not disclose the amount of added sugar.
The report said Nestlé emphasizes the vitamins, minerals and nutrients in its products through idealized images, but lacks transparency when it comes to added sugars. Notably, Nestlé’s Cerelac product alone generated revenue of over Rs 20,000 crore in India in 2022.
Experts have warned that adding sugar to baby products can have harmful consequences, encouraging a preference for sweet tastes and increasing the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases later in life. Rodrigo Vianna, an epidemiologist and professor of nutrition at Brazil’s Federal University of Paraiba, expressed concern about the practice, citing potential long-term health effects.
In response to the allegations, a Nestle India spokesperson said the company complies with all local regulations and international standards. They said Nestle India has been working to reduce added sugar by up to 30% across its infant cereal products over the past five years.
Despite Nestlé’s assurances, the study highlights the need for more transparency and scrutiny regarding the nutritional content of baby food products, particularly in regions where added sugar poses a significant health risk.
