Nestle’s Cerelac product controversy has prompted an investigation by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The FSSAI has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into the allegations. The regulatory body has threatened to take tough measures against Nestle if it is determined that the company is at fault. A committee will be established to look into the specifics of the case as part of the investigation process.
Stakeholders will be closely monitoring the investigation as it progresses, anticipating the investigation’s conclusion and any possible consequences for Nestle.
FSSAI Opens Investigation into Nestle's Cerelac product controversy#Nestle #Cerelac #Sugar #PowerCorridors pic.twitter.com/GrDUEQ7U8V
— POWER CORRIDORS (@power_corridors) April 18, 2024
Nestle’s Sugar Controversy amidst FSSAI Inquiry
According to reports Nestle adds sugar to baby milk sold in less developed countries like India but not in its main markets, which are Europe or the UK. The information was made public when samples of the company’s baby food products, which are sold in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, were sent to a laboratory in Belgium for analysis by “Public Eye,” a Swiss investigative organization, and IBFAN (International Baby Food Action Network).
Every variety of Cerelac baby cereal, with sales projected to reach over $250 million in the lucrative Indian market in 2022, includes added sugar, with each serving averaging almost 3 grams. According to “Public Eye’s” recent investigation, which was made public on Wednesday, Cerelac wheat-based cereals designed for six-month-old babies and sold by Nestle in Germany, France, and the UK don’t contain any added sugar. On the other hand, in Ethiopia and Thailand, the same product contains more than 5 grams and 6 grams per serving, respectively.
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As of 9:30 am on Thursday, Nestle India’s stock price has fallen below its 100-day Simple Moving Average. It is currently trading at Rs 2526.2. Today’s change in percentage is -0.78%, and the 100-day SMA is at Rs 2532.78. This movement suggests that the stock’s trend may be changing.
Nestlé India Affirms Commitment to Compliance and Nutrition Standards
A Nestlé India Spokesperson declared, “We will never compromise on compliance; it is an essential characteristic of Nestlé India.” We also make sure that our products, which are made in India, strictly adhere to local specifications (where necessary) and CODEX standards, which are set by the WHO and FAO and cover all nutrient requirements, including added sugars. For Nestlé India, reducing added sugars is a top priority. Depending on the variety, we have already cut added sugars by up to 30% over the previous five years. We continually innovate and restructure our products to further minimize the amount of added sugars without sacrificing flavor, safety, quality, or nutrition. We review our portfolio on a regular basis. As we have done for more than a century, Nestlé India is dedicated to providing the best nutrition to our customers. We will always uphold the highest standards of nutrition, quality, and safety in our products.
