Consumer Affairs Min asks FSSAI to check formula

NEW DELHI: The Consumer Affairs Ministry on Friday said it has asked the food safety regulator FSSAI to investigate the composition of Nestle’s Cerelac baby cereals sold in India, amid a global report that claimed the company was adding higher sugar content in the product.

According to findings by Swiss NGO, Public Eye and International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), Nestle sold baby products with higher sugar content in less developed South Asian countries including India, Africa and Latin American nations as compared to markets in Europe.

“We have written to the FSSAI to take cognizance of the report on Nestle’s baby product,” Consumer Affairs Secretary and Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) chief Nidhi Khare said.

In the letter written to FSSAI, Khare said it has come to the notice of the Department of Consumer Affairs through various news articles regarding the practices of Nestle company in India, particularly concerning the composition of the Nestle Cerelac cereals.

As per news reports, the Switzerland-based organisation has published a report highlighting Nestle’s manufacturing practices in India, she said.

“According to the report, Nestle has been alleged to add 2.7 gram of sugar per serving of Nestle Cerelac baby cereals sold in India, while refraining from such practices in other countries such as Germany, Switzerland, France and the UK,” Khare said in the letter.

Asserting that high sugar in baby products raises serious concerns about the potential implications for the health and safety of children in our country, the Secretary said, “the health and wellbeing of our citizens, especially infants and young children, is of paramount importance, and any deviation from safety standards could lead to serious health concerns.”

In light of these reports, Khare said, “the FSSAI has been requested to initiate an appropriate action into the practices of Nestle company regarding the composition of Nestle Cerelac baby cereals sold in India”.

FSSAI should investigate the matter and come out with facts, she added.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body under the administration of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has also taken note of the report and issued notice to the FSSAI.