Nestle India is preparing to introduce 14 new variants of its popular Cerelac baby food line by the end of November, featuring no refined sugar. This move comes in response to recent global scrutiny over the company’s use of added sugars in Cerelac products sold in developing markets, including India, compared to sugar-free versions available in countries like Europe and the UK.
The controversy gained attention earlier this year when a report by The Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) highlighted the presence of nearly 3 grams of sugar per serving in Cerelac sold in countries such as India, Africa, and Latin America. Nestle faced criticism for not offering sugar-free versions in these regions. The company denied the claims, stating that the added sugar content in India remained within the permissible limits set by the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and had been reduced by 30% over the past five years.
Nestle’s chairman, Suresh Narayanan, confirmed that the initiative to eliminate refined sugar from these products began three years ago and will culminate in the launch of these new variants in the coming months.
This strategic shift is expected to bolster consumer trust and address growing concerns about sugar content in infant nutrition across developing markets.