Nestlé is under intense international scrutiny after a Swiss watchdog accused the company of adding sugar to its Cerelac baby cereals sold across Africa, while the same products in Europe contain no sweeteners.
The report, released by Public Eye on November 18, 2025, alleges that Nestlé is violating World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines by marketing sugar-laden cereals to infants under two years old. WHO policy strictly warns against added sugars for toddlers to prevent obesity, dental issues, and early sugar dependence.
Civil Society Groups Demand Action
The revelations have sparked outrage among public health advocates across the continent. A coalition of 19 African civil society organizations wrote to Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil, accusing the company of “double standards” and calling for an immediate recall of sugary Cerelac products from African markets.
“If added sugar is not suitable for European children, it is not suitable for children in Africa. All babies deserve access to healthy nutrition, regardless of nationality or skin color,” the letter stated.
Nestlé Rejects Allegations
In response, Nestlé denied wrongdoing. A company spokesperson told Al Jazeera that the report contained “misleading and unfounded allegations,” insisting that the company’s approach to nutrition is consistent worldwide.
“Nestlé is committed to the wellbeing of children everywhere, and we treat all children equally, irrespective of where they live,” the spokesperson said. The company also noted that it offers both sugar-free and sweetened variants globally and aims to ensure all Cerelac products contain no added sugar by the end of 2025.
Lab Tests Raise Concerns
Laboratory tests commissioned by Public Eye appear to challenge Nestlé’s claims. Nearly 100 Cerelac products collected from 20 African countries contained added sugar, averaging nearly six grams per serving. One product sold in Kenya for babies as young as six months contained 7.5 grams of sugar—almost two sugar cubes.
A Growing Health Crisis
Experts warn that early exposure to sugar may exacerbate Africa’s rising childhood obesity rates. WHO data show that the number of overweight children under five has almost doubled since 1990, leaving countries to contend with both malnutrition and excess weight. Public health advocates argue that adding sugar to infant foods contributes to this dual burden.
Civil Society Calls for Immediate Reform
While Nestlé emphasizes that undernutrition remains a severe concern and insists its products are safe, the civil society coalition remains adamant.
“By adding sugar to infant cereals, Nestlé is deliberately putting the health of African babies at risk for profit. This must end now,” their letter concluded.