Cerelac, a flagship product of Nestle India, finds itself involved in controversy amidst allegations regarding its sugar content in Asian and African markets compared to developed countries. The company’s Managing Director, Narayanan, refuted these claims, emphasizing that product formulation adheres to global standards based on local nutritional requirements and regulations.
Narayanan urged a scientific approach to addressing the allegations rather than resorting to sensationalism. He highlighted that both developed and developing countries have variations in baby food formulations, with some products containing added sugar while others do not.
Recent scrutiny intensified when a report by The Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network revealed higher sugar content in Cerelac servings in countries like India compared to developed markets such as the UK and Germany. Following this, India’s Consumer Affairs Ministry directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to investigate the matter. Additionally, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) requested that FSSAI provide clarity on baby food standards and the registrations of companies in the sector.
Narayanan confirmed that FSSAI has collected samples of Cerelac for testing, and Nestle India awaits the regulator’s response. Despite allegations, Nestle maintains its adherence to WHO guidelines and CODEX standards, ensuring compliance with local specifications, including regulations on added sugars in baby food.
Nestlé’s milk products and nutrition portfolio in India recorded significant sales in 2022, contributing substantially to the company’s domestic revenue. Amidst the controversy, Nestle reaffirms its commitment to quality and compliance with global and local standards in its infant food formulations.