NAIROBI – Global food and beverage giant Nestlé is facing accusations of employing dangerous double standards after an investigation revealed it adds significant amounts of sugar to its infant cereal products sold in Kenya and other lower-income countries, while offering sugar-free versions of the same products in European markets. The findings, detailed in a report by Swiss investigative organization Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), have ignited sharp criticism from public health advocates who argue the practice risks the health of vulnerable infants for profit and contributes to a growing obesity crisis on the continent.

The investigation, which analyzed samples of Nestlé's popular Cerelac baby cereals, found that a product sold in Kenya contained as much as 7.5 grams of added sugar per serving. Across Africa, researchers found added sugar in over 90% of the 94 Cerelac products tested, with an average of 6 grams per serving—equivalent to one and a half teaspoons. In stark contrast, similar Cerelac products marketed to babies of the same age in Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom contain no added sugar.

Public Health Implications for Kenya

The revelations come at a critical time for Kenya, which is grappling with a rising tide of childhood obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases. According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), 3% of children under five are now classified as overweight. Projections from the World Obesity Atlas 2022 warn that over one million Kenyan children aged 5 to 19 could be living with obesity by 2030 if current trends persist.

The World Health Organization (WHO) explicitly recommends that foods for children under the age of three should contain no added sugars or sweetening agents. Health experts warn that early exposure to sugar can lead to a lifelong preference for sweet foods, increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. Dr. Nigel Rollins, a scientist at the WHO, described the findings as a "double standard that can't be justified" and problematic from both a public health and ethical perspective.

Nestlé Defends Its Practices

In response to the allegations, Nestlé has denied applying a "double standard," stating that its recipes vary based on local regulations and the availability of ingredients. A company spokesperson told reporters that it complies with all local and international standards, including labeling requirements and thresholds on carbohydrate content. The company also stated that it has reduced the amount of added sugars in its infant cereal portfolio worldwide by 11% over the past decade and is working to roll out sugar-free options globally.

Nestlé has argued that the addition of sugar is vital in some regions to make cereals palatable for infants, thereby helping to combat malnutrition. However, critics counter that this claim is undermined by the company's successful marketing of sugar-free products in wealthier nations. The Public Eye and IBFAN report highlighted that Cerelac is the world's leading baby cereal brand, with global sales exceeding $1 billion in 2022, a significant portion of which comes from low- and middle-income countries.

Calls for Stronger Regulation

The controversy has amplified calls from Kenyan health advocates for stronger government regulation of the baby food industry, including the implementation of mandatory front-of-pack warning labels to clearly indicate high sugar content. While the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) regulates food additives and has standards for infant formula and cereal-based foods, the specifics on added sugar limits remain a grey area. The Breast Milk Substitutes (Regulation and Control) Act governs marketing, but campaigners argue more needs to be done to regulate product formulation itself.

Civil society organizations across Africa have condemned Nestlé's practices. In a letter to the company's chief executive, 12 groups accused the firm of playing a part in a "preventable public health catastrophe." As the debate continues, Kenyan parents and caregivers are left to navigate a marketplace where the nutritional content of essential baby products can differ dramatically based on geography, raising urgent questions about corporate responsibility and the need for equitable health standards for all children.