Nestlé Faces Accusations Over Higher Sugar Levels in African Infant Cereals

Swiss non-governmental organisation Public Eye has accused Nestlé of applying double standards by reportedly selling infant cereals with higher added sugar content in Africa than in more developed regions. The allegations were presented following an analysis of nearly 100 samples from Nestlé’s Cerelac instant infant cereal line, collected in collaboration with African civil society groups. Public Eye's laboratory tests indicated that more than 90% of the products sampled in African markets contained significant amounts of added sugar, with an average serving having nearly six grams—double the sugar content found in products sold in India.

Nestlé, however, rejected these findings as misleading and unfounded. A company spokesperson emphasized that the total sugar levels in its infant cereals remain well below limits set by the Codex Alimentarius, an international food standards authority. They clarified that the sugars present come naturally from ingredients such as cereals, milk, and fruit, rather than being refined sugars added during production. "If we exclude sugars coming from ingredients like milk, cereals and fruit, our Cerelac infant cereals do not contain the levels of added refined sugars mentioned in the report," the spokesperson stated.

This controversy follows a similar Public Eye report from April 2024, which accused Nestlé of adding sugar to baby foods marketed in low-income countries, including India, but not in European markets. That report triggered an investigation by India’s food regulatory agency. The latest findings renew concerns, focusing specifically on African markets.

In response, the International Babyfood Action Network (IBFAN) and 19 civil society organisations across 13 African countries—including Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa—addressed an open letter on November 17 to Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil. They urged the company to eliminate what they described as a "double standard" in the sugar levels of baby foods provided in Africa.

Nestlé maintained their stance, asserting, "We do not have double standards, our approach to nutrition is consistent across all countries. We treat all children equally, regardless of where they are." The company also highlighted its commitment to expanding no-added-sugar product variants, which are already available in 97% of its markets globally. Nestlé aims to complete this rollout by the end of 2025.