FSSAI Investigates Nestle Over Baby Food Sugar Content; More Brands Under Radar: Report

Nestle Case: The scientific committee of FSSAI is presently reviewing the issue and anticipates issuing a report within a month

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reportedly initiated a thorough inquiry into allegations against Nestle regarding the sale of baby food products with elevated sugar levels in the country, according to a CNBC-TV18 report citing sources. The investigation seeks to evaluate potential breaches of regulations by Nestle and other brands involved in the sale of baby food and formula milk. 

The scientific committee of FSSAI is presently reviewing the issue and anticipates issuing a report within a month. Based on the committee's conclusions, FSSAI will decide on the necessary steps. This inquiry is a response to worries voiced by the Union Consumer Affairs Ministry following reports of potential disparities in Nestle's baby food products sold in India compared to international standards.

"We have written to the FSSAI to take cognisance of the report on Nestle's baby product," Consumer Affairs Secretary and Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) chief Nidhi Khare said a few days back.

"According to the report, Nestle has been alleged to add 2.7 grams of sugar per serving of Nestle Cerelac baby cereals sold in India while refraining from such practices in other countries such as Germany, Switzerland, France and the UK," Khare said in the letter.

Additionally, FSSAI has broadened its investigation to encompass all brands selling baby food and infant formula milk, intending to assess adherence to established regulations. Stringent actions are expected to be taken against any entities found to be in violation of these regulations.

In a distinct development, FSSAI has started sampling spices nationwide from multiple brands, such as MDH and Everest. This move comes in response to quality apprehensions raised by authorities in Singapore and Hong Kong concerning Indian spices, particularly regarding the presence of the pesticide 'ethylene oxide' exceeding permissible levels.

Although FSSAI consistently oversees the quality of spices available in the local market, the Spices Board of India is currently examining the prohibition enforced by Hong Kong and Singapore on specific spice-mix products from Indian brands.