The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Sunday said infant formulas by a food and beverage company giant, Nestle, alleged to contain sugar and honey are not registered and not sold in Nigeria.
NAFDAC disclosed this in a statement signed by its management.
Findings by Swiss investigative organisation, Public Eye, and the International Baby Food Action Network, alleged that two of the best-selling baby-food brands marketed by Nestlé in low- and middle-income countries contain high levels of added sugar, while such products are sugar-free in their home country, Switzerland.
The Public Eye and IBFAN scrutinised around 150 products sold by the food giant in lower-income countries and found that almost all the Cerelac infant cereals examined contain added sugar – nearly 4 grams per serving on average, equal to roughly a sugar cube – although they are targeted at babies from six months of age. The highest amount – 7.3 grams per serving – was detected in a product sold in the Philippines.
They also said most of the Nido powdered milk products for young children from one to three years old examined also contain added sugar – almost two grams per serving on average. The maximum value (5.3 grams) was detected in a product sold in Panama.
They, however, added that in Switzerland and Nestlé’s main European markets, such products are sold without added sugar.
NAFDAC, in a statement titled ‘Nestle adds sugar to infant milk sold in poorer countries: NAFDAC’s response,’ however, noted that the agency exercises due regulatory diligence in the registration of infant and young children foods distributed and used in Nigeria in line with relevant Codex Alimentarius international food standards, and more specifically, Nigerian Industrial Standards.
“This applies to all categories of infant and young children foods distributed by manufacturers, importers, and marketers of infant and young children foods operating within Nigeria.
“Adequate, optimal nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to ensure the growth, health, and development of children to their full potential.
“The Codex Alimentarius Commission implements the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, developing international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice with the mandate to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair international food trade. Nigeria (NAFDAC) is an active participant in these international food standards-setting arenas to contribute to Nigeria’s positions during food standards development.
“Regarding the mention of Nido follow-up milk formula in the publication, NAFDAC wishes to state that the product is not registered in Nigeria, is not known to the agency, and is not in circulation in Nigeria,” the statement read in part.
