By Merit Ibe
Following the news making the rounds that sugar was being included in baby foods being produced for Africa and other developing countries, Nestle Nigeria has said the company does not add sugars (sucrose and glucose) to infant formulas for children aged 0-12 months in the country.
A statement by the Corporate Communications Affairs Manager, Nestle Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, noted that: “In Nigeria, our growing up milks have no added sugars.
“Our milks and cereals for young children are fortified with vitamins and minerals such as iron to help tackle malnutrition.”
The statement noted that baby food and infant formula are highly regulated categories and that the company applies the same nutrition, health and wellness principles everywhere in the world, which are aligned with both international and local guidelines and regulations.
“This includes compliance with labeling requirements and thresholds on carbohydrate content that encompasses sugars. “Regarding cereals, there may be slight variations in recipes around the world.
“In Europe, Nestlé’s range of cereals comes with and without added sugars.
“Like everywhere in the world, in Nigeria, we do not add sugars (sucrose and glucose) to infant formulas for children aged 0-12 months.”
A UK-based Newspaper, The Guardian, in a recent news report, alleged that Nestle had engaged in double standards in the production of baby formula being sold across the world.
Part of the news report noted: “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.
