Nestle India on Thursday responded to the recent controversy surrounding the sugar content in its Cerelac baby food products with a clarification.
"We would like to assure you that our Infant Cereal products, are manufactured to ensure the appropriate delivery of nutritional requirements such as Protein, Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Minerals, Iron etc. for early childhood," ANI quoted the company as saying.
"We never compromise and will never compromise on the nutritional quality of our products. We constantly leverage our extensive Global Research and Development network to enhance the nutritional profile of our products," it further added.
Nestlé India spokesperson said, "Compliance is an essential characteristic of Nestlé India and we will never compromise on that. We also ensure that our products manufactured in India are in full and strict compliance with CODEX standards (a commission established by WHO and FAO) and local specifications (as required) pertaining to the requirements all nutrients including added sugars. Reduction of added sugars is a priority for Nestlé India. Over the past 5 years, we have already reduced added sugars by up to 30%, depending on the variant. We regularly review our portfolio and continue to innovate and reformulate our products to further reduce the level of added sugars, without compromising on nutrition, quality, safety, and taste. Nestlé India is committed to delivering the best nutrition to our consumers, which we have been doing for over 100 years and would always maintain highest standards of Nutrition, Quality and Safety in our products."
Sugar controversy
Nestle adds sugar to infant milk sold in less affluent nations including India but not in its primary markets like Europe or the UK, reported ToI. The revelation came to light when "Public Eye," a Swiss investigative organization, and IBFAN (International Baby Food Action Network) dispatched samples of the company's baby food items marketed in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to a Belgian laboratory for examination.
In the lucrative Indian market, exceeding $250 million in sales in 2022, every Cerelac baby cereal variant contains supplementary sugar, averaging nearly 3 grams per portion. "Public Eye's" recent inquiry, disclosed on Wednesday, indicated that Cerelac wheat-based cereals tailored for six-month-old infants retailed by Nestle in Germany, France, and the UK are devoid of additional sugar. Conversely, the identical product harbors more than 5 grams per serving in Ethiopia and 6 grams in Thailand.
Meanwhile, Nestle India's stock price has recently dipped below its 100-day Simple Moving Average, currently standing at Rs 2526.2 at 9:30 am on Thursday. The percentage change today is -0.78%, with the 100-day SMA at Rs 2532.78. This movement indicates a potential shift in the stock's trend.
FSSAI takes cognisance
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated an inquiry into the sugar content controversy surrounding Nestle's Cerelac products.
In response to the allegations, FSSAI has affirmed its commitment to investigating the issue thoroughly. If Nestle is found to be at fault, the regulatory body has vowed to take stringent action against the brand. As part of the investigative process, a committee will be formed to delve into the details of the case.
As the inquiry unfolds, stakeholders will be keenly observing the proceedings, awaiting the outcome of the investigation and the potential ramifications for Nestle.
No comments:
Post a Comment