Nestlé is accused of adding sugar to most baby cereals sold across Africa, with an investigation by Public Eye revealing over 90% of Cerelac products contain nearly 6 grams of added sugar per serving.
Campaigners accuse the company of risking African babies’ health for profit, amid rising childhood obesity on the continent.
Nestlé denies wrongdoing, citing regulatory compliance and the need for palatable infant foods. The firm aims to introduce sugar-free variants by end of 2025 but faces calls to act faster.
Nestle Accused of Risking Baby Health
A recent Public Eye investigation, in collaboration with activists across 20 African countries, analysed nearly 100 samples of Nestlé’s Cerelac baby cereals marketed for infants aged six months and above.
The results showed widespread added sugar averaging one-and-a-half teaspoons per serving, with amounts ranging from 5 grams to as high as 7.5 grams in Kenya.
Most products without added sugar were imports from Europe or recently launched in South Africa. This continues a troubling pattern uncovered in 2024 when Nestlé was found to add sugar to infant milk and cereals sold in poorer countries but not in wealthier European markets.
Public Eye and African civil organisations strongly criticised this “double standard,” urging Nestlé to adhere to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommending zero added sugar for children under three years, as per the Guardian.
The added sugar risks fostering long-term unhealthy taste preferences and contributes to an expanding epidemic of diet-related diseases like childhood obesity and diabetes in Africa.
Nestlé’s Calls Report “Misleading”
Nestlé rejects the accusations as “misleading,” asserting full compliance with national regulations and international standards, including the Codex Alimentarius guidelines. Company representatives argue that cereals need to be sufficiently sweet to ensure infants accept them during crucial dietary transitions, especially in regions facing malnutrition and iron deficiency.
Nestlé has launched 14 no added sugar Cerelac variants in India and is accelerating similar introductions across African markets, aiming for complete roll-out by the end of 2025.
However, health experts and campaigners remain sceptical, highlighting that sugar content is often not declared transparently on packaging and that the added sugars significantly exceed thresholds recommended for infant nutrition.
Susan Goldstein, a public health academic, warns that early sugar exposure predisposes children to obesity and chronic illnesses later in life. Critics also condemn Nestlé’s marketing practices as misleading parents and exploiting urgent nutritional needs for profit, perpetuating health disparities between wealthier and poorer countries.
Health Risks of Sugar in Baby Food
The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends that children under three years of age consume no added sugars in their food. This guidance aims to prevent long-term health risks and foster healthy eating habits from infancy.
Added sugars increase the risk of childhood obesity, dental cavities, and a preference for sweet foods that can lead to poor dietary choices later in life. Excessive sugar intake in babies can contribute to weight gain and metabolic problems, heightening the chances of diet-related non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues in adulthood.
Additionally, early exposure to sugary foods may reduce the acceptance of less sweet but nutritious options like vegetables, impairing balanced nutrition. WHO guidelines advise exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and suggest avoiding fruit juices and sugar-sweetened beverages in early childhood. These measures are essential to protect infants’ growing bodies and establish a foundation for lifelong health.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The continuing addition of sugar to baby foods in African nations exemplifies a stark inequity where vulnerable populations receive compromised nutrition linked to lifelong health risks. The Logical Indian emphasises the ethical obligation of global corporations to ensure equitable, transparent, and health-centred food practices regardless of geography or income level.
It is crucial for governments, civil society, and companies like Nestlé to work collaboratively towards eliminating added sugars in infant foods to support healthy growth and prevent diet-related diseases.
Disclaimer: This information is based on investigative reports and public statements available at the time of writing. Allegations against Nestlé remain under scrutiny, and the company has denied wrongdoing.
Readers are advised to follow official updates and regulatory findings for the latest verified details.
