Nestlé, the world’s largest consumer goods company, adds sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many poorer countries, contrary to international guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases, a report has found.
In Nestlé’s main European markets, including the UK, there is no added sugar in formulas for young children.
While some cereals aimed at older toddlers contain added sugar, there is none in products targeted at babies between six months and one year.
In Africa, the number of overweight children under five has increased by nearly 23% since 2000, according to the World Health Organization.
Labels often include naturally occurring sugars in milk and fruit under the same heading as any added sugars.
Tests on Cerelac products sold in India showed, on average, more than 2.7g of added sugar for every serving.
Nido Kinder 1+ products sold in South-Africa, Nigeria and Senegal all contained nearly 1g per serving, the report said. »
