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Published on 2024-04-19 09:54:25
Nestle Nigeria, a subsidiary of the global food and beverage company Nestle, has refuted claims of adding sugar to its products sold in Nigeria, maintaining that it is adhering to global guidelines for infant formulas. In a statement released on Thursday by Victoria Uwadoka, the Head of Corporate Communications for the company, Nestle Nigeria emphasized its commitment to providing quality products that comply with international standards.
The statement was issued in response to inquiries from PREMIUM TIMES about the allegations. Ms. Uwadoka assured that the company operates in accordance with global requirements for sugar usage and ensures that it delivers high-quality products to all regions.
The denial by Nestle Nigeria comes in the wake of a recent investigation conducted by the Public Eye, a Swiss investigative organization, in collaboration with the International Baby Food Action Network. The investigation uncovered discrepancies in the quality of Nestle’s infant food products, with reports suggesting that substandard products were being supplied to low and middle-income countries, including Nigeria.
Samples of Nestle’s baby food products from Asia, Africa, and Latin America were analyzed, revealing the presence of sugar, such as sucrose or honey, in products like Cerelac and Nido. Cerelac is a cereal designed for children aged six months to two years, while Nido is a follow-up milk formula for infants at least one year old.
In response, Nestle Nigeria defended its practices, stating that it upholds the same nutrition and health standards globally. The company acknowledged that there may be slight variations in recipes for products like Cerelac in different regions but affirmed that it does not add sugars to infant formulas for children aged 0-12 months. Nestle Nigeria stressed that its products align with both international and local guidelines, emphasizing that baby formulas and Growing Up Milk in Nigeria do not contain added sugars.
However, the investigation highlighted that Cerelac from Nigeria had the second-highest sugar content among the countries studied, with 6.8g per serving. This finding raised concerns about the disparity in sugar levels between products sold in different regions, with European markets receiving a range of cereals with and without added sugars.
Despite the variations in sugar content, Nestle Nigeria reiterated its commitment to fortifying its milk and cereals for young children with essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, to address malnutrition challenges. The company emphasized that its goal is to provide nutritious and safe products for infants and children worldwide.
In conclusion, Nestle Nigeria’s response to the allegations of adding sugar to its products underscores the importance of maintaining consistent quality standards across all markets. By adhering to global guidelines and prioritizing the health and well-being of consumers, the company aims to build trust and credibility in its products, ensuring that infants and children receive the essential nutrition they need for healthy development.
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