FSSAI seeks Nestle’s clarification on report of added sugar in Cerelac

19 Apr 2024 , 11:22 AM

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (Fssai) demanded an explanation from Nestle India on Thursday, after Swiss investigative organisation Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network revealed in a report that the packaged food manufacturer adds 2.2 gm sugar per serving to its baby food brand Cerelac in India.

"The FSSAI has acknowledged the issue and has requested clarification from Nestle India," stated a senior official from the national food regulatory body. The authority convened a meeting of its officials on Thursday to assess the situation.

Nestle SA's India unit stated that it had decreased sugar in Cerelac by 30% over the last five years.

The company, which also sells Maggi noodles, Kitkat chocolates, and Nescafe coffee, said in a statement that its products were manufactured in the country "in full compliance" with CODEX standards (a commission established by WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organisation) and local specifications pertaining to nutrient requirements, including added sugars.

Milk products and nutrition account for around 40% of the packaged goods maker's domestic sales.

According to the data, Cerelac has an average sugar content of roughly 3 grammes per serving in India. The study revealed added sugars in many other low- and middle-income nations, but not in developed markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, and several other European countries.

The regulations governing infant meals in India are divided into two categories: ingredients and marketing. While firms are expressly prohibited from marketing and promoting infant meals, the policy regarding ingredients is unclear, according to experts.

Nestle stated, "We consistently assess our product range and strive to innovate and reformulate our offerings to decrease the amount of added sugars while maintaining quality, safety, and flavor."

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