Nestle issued a lengthy clarification on Thursday in an attempt to debunk reports of the company adding 3 gms of sugar in two of their baby food products in India.
“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,” the company said in a statement.
An investigation by Public Eye revealed that Nestle adds sugar and honey to two of its best-selling infant products in several countries including India, a violation of world standards aimed at preventing chronic diseases like obesity.
On the other hand, the report also found, that the same products in countries like the United Kingdom, Germany Switzerland are sugar-free.
“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,” Nestle said.
Meanwhile, a Nestle 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.”
Nestle comes under FSSAI lens
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), India’s topmost food safety regulator, is reportedly looking into Public Eye’s report.
Government sources told ANI that FSSAI is examining the report following which it will be presented to a scientific panel.
Nestle India’s share drop
Public Eye’s explosive report on the FMCG company led to a drop in its shares during Thursday’s trading session.
Nestle India shares fell over 5 per cent on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in early trade and were down 3.17 per cent to Rs 2,466.40 in the afternoon.
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Nestle India defends baby food after sugar row, claims no ‘compromise on quality of our products’
