Johnson Progress

Nestlé is facing intense scrutiny over its baby cereal products in Africa, with allegations of violating World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines by adding sugar to Cerelac products.

A recent investigation by Swiss NGO Public Eye found that 90% of Cerelac products sold in 20 African countries contain added sugar, with an average serving containing almost six grams of added sugar.

The WHO recommends that children under two consume no added sugars or sweeteners to prevent childhood obesity, dental issues, and unhealthy eating habits.

However, Nestlé sells sugar-free Cerelac products in European markets like Switzerland, Germany, and the UK, while including added sweeteners in products sold in Africa.

African public health advocates are outraged, calling it “unacceptable double standards” and demanding an immediate recall of sugary baby cereals.

A coalition of 19 Africa-based civil society organisations sent an open letter to Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil, stating, “If added sugar is not suitable for Swiss and European children, it is not suitable for children in Africa and beyond. All babies have an equal right to healthy nutrition – regardless of their nationality or skin color.”

Nestlé has denied the allegations, claiming its approach to nutrition is consistent across all countries and that it is committed to children’s wellbeing.

However, laboratory analyses contradict this, showing significant added sugar in African products.

The company aims to roll out no-added-sugar options globally by 2025.

The controversy highlights Africa’s growing public health emergency, with overweight children under five nearly doubling since 1990.

Health experts warn that early sugar intake worsens this crisis.

The civil society coalition accuses Nestlé of prioritizing profit over African babies’ health, stating, “By adding sugar to infant cereals, Nestlé is deliberately putting the health of African babies at risk for profit. This must end now.”