Sugar Addition In Baby Food To Maggi Ban: Nestlé Controversies Over The Years

Nestlé Controversies: Nestlé India has responded to the reports, stating that the company has reduced up to 30 per cent of added sugars across its infant cereal range over the past five years

Nestlé Controversies: Nestlé, the global consumer goods giant, is embroiled in controversy again, this time over the sugar content in its baby food products sold in India. A recent investigation by the Swiss investigative organisation Public Eye revealed high levels of added sugar and honey in Nestlé’s baby food brands in several countries, including India. This finding contradicts international guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases, particularly in low and middle-income countries.

Sugar Controversy

Public Eye's analysis examined 115 products sold in Nestlé’s main markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, focusing on the Cerelac and Nodi brands. The findings revealed that all baby cereal products examined in India contained nearly 3 grams of added sugar per serving, while similar products in developing nations were sugar-free. This discrepancy highlights significant differences in Nestlé’s marketing strategies in low-income and middle-income countries.

Nestlé India has responded to the reports, stating that the company has reduced up to 30 per cent of added sugars across its infant cereal range over the past five years. The company maintains that it is making efforts to improve the nutritional content of its products.

Past Issues and Controversies

In 2021, Nestlé faced backlash over an internal presentation indicating that a significant portion of its mainstream food and beverage range did not meet recognised health standards. The company acknowledged that 60 per cent of its food and drinks portfolio, excluding pet food, baby formula, and coffee, failed to meet health criteria.

Nestlé committed to updating its nutrition and health strategy, aiming to reduce sodium and sugar content in its products by at least 14-15 per cent over the past seven years.

Maggi Ban

The company also experienced a major setback in India in 2015, when about 38,000 tonnes of Maggi Noodles were withdrawn from retail shelves and destroyed after a routine inspection found elevated levels of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and lead in the products.

Allegations Of Child Labour

Nestlé has faced other significant allegations, including accusations of child slave labour on cocoa farms in the Ivory Coast in 2021. Eight former alleged child slaves sued the company for its purported involvement in the illegal enslavement of children on these farms.

Environmental Impact

Critics have also raised concerns about Nestlé’s environmental impact, particularly regarding its plastic packaging practices and contributions to plastic pollution. Despite the company’s pledge to design over 95 per cent of its plastic packaging for recycling by 2025, allegations have emerged about the incineration of plastic waste and resulting environmental pollution.

In Pakistan, Nestlé’s operations have faced scrutiny for alleged groundwater exploitation, including contributing to sinking water levels and contamination. Forensic audits submitted to the Pakistan Supreme Court revealed water wastage, prompting closer examination of Nestlé’s water management practices.

As Nestlé continues to navigate these controversies, the company will need to address public and regulatory concerns regarding its product quality, environmental impact, and ethical practices.