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In response to allegations by a Swiss NGO about sugar in Cerelac, a wheat-based baby food made by Nestlé, the Indian government has confirmed that the product complies with domestic and international food safety standards. This was stated by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda in the Lok Sabha.
The NGO report said that Cerelac sold in India contains 2.7 grams of added sugar per serving, unlike its counterparts in the UK and Germany, which are said to contain no added sugar. Concerns were raised when the World Health Organization (WHO) advises against introducing added sugar before the age of two to reduce the risk of obesity and chronic diseases.
In his speech, Minister Nadda told the House that the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, set sugar limits for baby foods that are in line with international standards such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission. These standards also include WHO recommendations for infant nutrition.
Taking suo moto cognizance, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) visited on April 29 and 30, 2024, Nestle’s manufacturing facility in India. After testing, the sugar in Cerelac was found to be in compliance with the 2020 regulations.
Reports suggest that Nestle changes Cerelac sugar in Asian countries unlike developed markets like the US and Europe.
According to Euromonitor International, Cerelac is the leading brand of seeds in the world, with sales exceeding $ 1 billion in 2022. Notably, a large part of these sales, about 40 percent, is found in low- and middle-income countries, in Brazil and India . the only one who counts a lot of money.
