Ministry of consumer affairs asks FSSAI to investigate composition of Nestle's Cerelac baby cereals sold in India
- In Reports
- 07:08 PM, Apr 19, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Consumer Affairs Ministry has requested the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to investigate the composition of Nestle's Cerelac baby cereals sold in India. This action comes in response to a global report alleging that the company has been adding higher sugar content to the product.
Swiss NGO Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network found that Nestle sold baby products with higher sugar content in less developed South Asian countries, including India, Africa, and Latin American nations, compared to markets in Europe.
Consumer Affairs Secretary and Central Consumer Protection Authority chief Nidhi Khare informed PTI that they have written to the FSSAI to take note of the report on Nestle's baby product.
In the letter addressed to FSSAI, Khare mentioned that the Department of Consumer Affairs had become aware through various news articles about Nestle's practices in India, particularly regarding the composition of Nestle Cerelac cereals.
According to Khare, news reports indicated that the Switzerland-based organization had published a report highlighting Nestle's manufacturing practices in India.
Khare stated in the letter that Nestle allegedly adds 2.7 grams of sugar per serving of Nestle Cerelac baby cereals in India, while avoiding such practices in countries like Germany, Switzerland, France, and the UK.
She highlighted concerns about the health implications for children and emphasised the importance of adhering to safety standards. Khare requested the FSSAI to investigate Nestle's practices regarding the composition of Cerelac baby cereals sold in India.
Khare emphasised that the FSSAI should investigate the matter thoroughly and provide factual information. The FSSAI operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Additionally, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has taken notice of the report and issued a notice to the FSSAI.
Meanwhile, Nestle India stated that it prioritises compliance and has reduced added sugar in baby food products in India by over 30% across various variants over the past five years.
Nestle India reaffirmed its commitment to compliance, emphasising that their products adhere to CODEX standards and local regulations, including those concerning added sugars. However, a global report highlighted variations in sugar content across countries, with Cerelac products in India containing 2.7 grams of added sugar per serving on average. While sugar content was declared on packaging in India, discrepancies were found in other countries like Thailand and the Philippines.
Image source: The Indian Express
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