Nestlé Faces Backlash Over Sugar Content in African Baby Foods
Swiss food giant Nestlé stands accused of putting African babies' health at risk by adding significant amounts of sugar to infant cereals sold across the continent. The allegations come from a comprehensive investigation by Public Eye, a global justice organisation based in Switzerland.
Campaigners have described the company's practices as demonstrating double standards, pointing out that while equivalent products in wealthier nations contain no added sugar, African markets receive versions with substantial sweeteners.
Laboratory Analysis Reveals Widespread Sugar Addition
Researchers collaborated with activists in more than 20 African countries to collect 94 samples of Cerelac products marketed for infants aged six months and above. These samples underwent rigorous laboratory testing that yielded concerning results.
The analysis found that more than 90% of baby cereals contained added sugar, with an average of 6g per serving - equivalent to one-and-a-half teaspoons. The sugar levels varied significantly between countries, with products in Egypt, Madagascar, South Africa, Malawi and Nigeria containing approximately 5g per serving, while one product sold in Kenya contained 7.5g.
Most sugar-free products available in African markets were imported items originally intended for European consumers, apart from two variants recently launched in South Africa.
Health Concerns and Corporate Defence
The World Health Organization guidelines clearly state that foods for children under three should contain no added sugars or sweetening agents. This recommendation exists partly because early exposure to sweetened foods can create long-term preferences that contribute to obesity and related health issues.
In response to the allegations, Nestlé described the Public Eye report as misleading. Peggy Diby, global head of corporate affairs for Nestlé Nutrition, stated: These are unfounded allegations and insinuate actions that are contrary to all our values.
The company defended its practices by emphasising that malnutrition remains the primary health challenge in Africa, particularly iron deficiency. They argued that making cereals palatable to infants is crucial in combating nutritional deficiencies, as children may refuse to eat unsweetened alternatives.
Dr Sara Colombo Mottaz, Nestlé's global head of medical, regulatory and scientific affairs for nutrition, explained that the company maintains internal guardrails to limit added sugars while ensuring products remain acceptable to infants transitioning to solid foods.
Growing Pressure for Change
This isn't the first time Nestlé has faced scrutiny over its sugar policies in developing markets. An earlier investigation in April 2024 revealed similar practices in Asia and Latin America.
Following that revelation, Nestlé committed to introducing no added sugar versions of Cerelac across all markets. However, campaigners describe this response as too little, too late.
In a strongly worded letter to Nestlé's chief executive, Philipp Navratil, twelve African civil society and consumer organisations accused the company of making a deliberate decision to feed children in Africa with less healthy options.
They warned that by adding sugar to infant cereals, Nestlé is contributing to a preventable public health catastrophe as diet-related non-communicable diseases spread across the continent.
Despite the controversy, Nestlé maintains that their products comply with national regulations in African countries and fall well below international standards set by Codex Alimentarius, the food safety authority jointly run by the WHO and UN Food and Agriculture Organization.
