Nestlé adds sugar to baby food in low-income countries, report finds – SWI swissinfo.ch
Nestlé adds sugar to baby food in low-income countries, report finds - SWI swissinfo.ch SWI swissinfo.ch in English
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Low-income countries targeted
The Public Eye organization and the International Baby Food Action Network analyzed the composition of around 100 baby foods sold by Nestlé around the world.
The findings are unequivocal: while Nestlé has eliminated added sugars in its baby formulas in Europe, it extensively uses them in baby products intended for lower-income countries. This is concerning, especially considering the World Health Organization’s recommendation to significantly reduce sugar intake in young children’s diets to combat obesity.
Out of the 78 Cerelac brand products purchased in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, 75 contained added sugar, averaging 4 grams per portion. In the Philippines, one of the products had 7.3 grams of sugar per portion, intended for babies aged six months and older.
Sucrose and honey in baby food
Nestlé Nido products, distributed in many countries, are also a cause for concern. Although Nestlé claims these products are “sucrose-free,” they contain added sugar in the form of honey. Both honey and sucrose are considered sugars that should not be added to baby food according to the World Health Organization.
Nestlé’s marketing strategy
The investigation also highlights Nestlé’s marketing practices. On a packet of Mucilon sold in Brazil, it states that it “contributes to immunity and brain development.” Nestlé’s marketing strategy involves involving health professionals in the direct or indirect promotion of their products.
Conclusion
Nestlé’s practices regarding added sugars in baby food and its marketing strategies raise concerns about the company’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
References:
- Swissinfo – “Nestlé struggles to win over baby formula critics” – Read more
- Swissinfo – “Nestlé’s controversial bestseller” – Read more
Related Articles:
- Swissinfo – “Nestlé among 20 food firms accused of ‘hunger profiteering'” – Read more
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 2.2: By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age.
- SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- SDG 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 2.2: Prevalence of malnutrition (stunting, wasting, overweight) among children under 5 years of age
- Indicator for SDG 3.4: Mortality rate attributed to non-communicable diseases
- Indicator for SDG 12.3: Food loss index and food waste index
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | SDG 2.2: By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age. | Prevalence of malnutrition (stunting, wasting, overweight) among children under 5 years of age |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | Mortality rate attributed to non-communicable diseases |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | SDG 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses. | Food loss index and food waste index |
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Source: swissinfo.ch
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