The Consumer Affairs Ministry of India has ordered regulator FSSAI to probe the claims of Nestle adding sugar to baby products. Is Nestle India in trouble?

Gravitas | Nestle saga: Centre orders probe into reports of Nestle adding sugar to baby food

Nestlé, which is the world's largest baby food company, is accused of adding sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many poorer countries.&nbsp;

Experts have advised that infants should not be given honey, as occasionally, it contains bacteria that can produce toxins in a baby's intestines, leading to infant botulism, which is a very serious illness.&nbsp;

It is also said that parents should avoid giving sugary snacks and drinks (including fruit juice and other fruit drinks), as it will help prevent tooth decay. Since honey is a kind of sugar, avoiding it will also help prevent tooth decay.&nbsp;

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Samples of the product sold in Asia, Africa and Latin America were sent by the campaigners from Public Eye, which is a Swiss investigative organisation, to a Belgian laboratory for testing.&nbsp;

The International Baby Food Action Network and Public Eye examined the composition of around 100 baby foods sold by Nestlé around the world.&nbsp;

During the testing, the lab analysed the product and its packaging. The result revealed that the company added sugar in the form of sucrose or honey in samples of Nido, which is a follow-up milk formula brand intended for use for infants aged one and above. Such ingredients were also present in Cerelac, which is a cereal aimed at children aged between six months and two years.&nbsp;

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In a detailed report, swissinfo.ch mentioned that&nbsp;Cerelac contains six grammes of sugar per portion, which is equivalent to approximately one and a half sugar cubes per meal in South Africa.&nbsp;

However, the same is not reflected on the packaging of the equivalent product in Switzerland as "no added sugar" prominently appears.&nbsp;

The report highlights how the company uses sugars extensively in baby products intended for lower-income countries, while it has eliminated the ingredient in Europe.&nbsp;

The concerning report emerged amid the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation that the amount of sugar must be removed from the diets of young children.&nbsp;

In a separate report, the WHO also revealed that obesity is increasingly a problem in low- and middle-income countries.&nbsp;

As quoted, Laurent Gabrell, co-author of the Public Eye investigation, said: "By adding sugar to these products, Nestlé's sole aim – and that of other manufacturers too – is to create an addiction or dependency in children, because they like the taste of sugar. And so, if the products are very sweet, they'll be asking for more in the future."&nbsp;

WION has reached out to Nestle for their comment. This story will be updated to reflect as and when we receive it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nestlé, which is the world's largest baby food company, is accused of adding sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many poorer countries. Experts have advised that infants should not be given honey, as occasionally, it contains bacteria that can produce toxins in a baby's intestines, leading to infant botulism, which is a very serious illness.

Nestlé, which is the world's largest baby food company, is accused of adding sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many poorer countries. Experts have advised that infants should not be given honey, as occasionally, it contains bacteria that can produce toxins in a baby's intestines, leading to infant botulism, which is a very serious illness. It is also said that parents should avoid giving sugary snacks and drinks (including fruit juice and other fruit drinks), as it will help prevent tooth decay. Since honey is a kind of sugar, avoiding it will also help prevent tooth decay. Also read: Russian food influencer jailed for starving newborn son, feeding him only sunlight for superhuman powers Samples of the product sold in Asia, Africa and Latin America were sent by the campaigners from Public Eye, which is a Swiss investigative organisation, to a Belgian laboratory for testing. The International Baby Food Action Network and Public Eye examined the composition of around 100 baby foods sold by Nestlé around the world. During the testing, the lab analysed the product and its packaging. The result revealed that the company added sugar in the form of sucrose or honey in samples of Nido, which is a follow-up milk formula brand intended for use for infants aged one and above. Such ingredients were also present in Cerelac, which is a cereal aimed at children aged between six months and two years. Also read: Israel targeting refugee camps? 11, including children, dead in airstrike on Al-Maghazi refugee camp In a detailed report, swissinfo.ch mentioned that Cerelac contains six grammes of sugar per portion, which is equivalent to approximately one and a half sugar cubes per meal in South Africa. However, the same is not reflected on the packaging of the equivalent product in Switzerland as "no added sugar" prominently appears. The report highlights how the company uses sugars extensively in baby products intended for lower-income countries, while it has eliminated the ingredient in Europe. The concerning report emerged amid the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation that the amount of sugar must be removed from the diets of young children. In a separate report, the WHO also revealed that obesity is increasingly a problem in low- and middle-income countries. As quoted, Laurent Gabrell, co-author of the Public Eye investigation, said: "By adding sugar to these products, Nestlé's sole aim – and that of other manufacturers too – is to create an addiction or dependency in children, because they like the taste of sugar. And so, if the products are very sweet, they'll be asking for more in the future." WION has reached out to Nestle for their comment. This story will be updated to reflect as and when we receive it. (With inputs from agencies)

Nestlé adding sugar and honey in baby food sold in low-income countries: Report

The US Foods and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday proposed draft guidance to reduce the amount of lead in packaged food meant for babies up to two years of age. Launched as part of the agency's 'Closer to Zero' action plan, the guidance seeks to "provide information to industry on the action levels for lead in food intended for babies and young children."

As per the NY Times, the draft guidance would not be mandatory for food manufacturers. However, if adopted, they would help the FDA to take enforcement action against companies that stray from the levels prescribed.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Study finds babies are full of microplastics

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It has recommended no more than 10 parts per billion fruits, vegetables (excluding single-ingredient root vegetables), mixtures (including grain and meat-based mixtures), yoghurts, custards/puddings, and single-ingredient meats. Additionally, for root vegetables and dry infant cereals, the limit has been recommended at 20 parts per billion.

As per FDA, the limits "would result in significant reductions in exposures to lead from food while ensuring availability of nutritious foods".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/some-baby-foods-have-high-levels-of-toxic-heavy-metals-us-report-finds-361533">Some baby foods have high levels of toxic heavy metals, US report finds</a>

FDA estimates that the proposed levels would bring about a 25 per cent reduction in dietary exposure to lead for some young children.

However, not everyone is happy with the guidelines. &nbsp;Quoting Jane Houlihan, research director for the nonprofit Healthy Babies Bright Futures, NY Post says they are disappointing.

"It doesn’t go far enough to protect babies from neurodevelopmental damage from lead exposures," said Houlihan.&nbsp;

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She added "lead is in almost every baby food" her organisation has tested and said that FDA's action levels "will influence almost none of that food."

The Centers for Disease Control, too, has previously said that there is no safe level of lead for children. As per the agency, children below the age of six absorb the contaminant more readily and are at a greater risk. As per CDC, "there is also evidence that childhood exposure to lead can cause long-term harm."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The US Foods and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday proposed draft guidance to reduce the amount of lead in packaged food meant for babies up to two years of age.

The US Foods and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday proposed draft guidance to reduce the amount of lead in packaged food meant for babies up to two years of age. Launched as part of the agency's 'Closer to Zero' action plan, the guidance seeks to "provide information to industry on the action levels for lead in food intended for babies and young children." As per the NY Times, the draft guidance would not be mandatory for food manufacturers. However, if adopted, they would help the FDA to take enforcement action against companies that stray from the levels prescribed. Watch | Gravitas: Study finds babies are full of microplastics It has recommended no more than 10 parts per billion fruits, vegetables (excluding single-ingredient root vegetables), mixtures (including grain and meat-based mixtures), yoghurts, custards/puddings, and single-ingredient meats. Additionally, for root vegetables and dry infant cereals, the limit has been recommended at 20 parts per billion. As per FDA, the limits "would result in significant reductions in exposures to lead from food while ensuring availability of nutritious foods". Also read | Some baby foods have high levels of toxic heavy metals, US report finds FDA estimates that the proposed levels would bring about a 25 per cent reduction in dietary exposure to lead for some young children. However, not everyone is happy with the guidelines. Quoting Jane Houlihan, research director for the nonprofit Healthy Babies Bright Futures, NY Post says they are disappointing. "It doesn’t go far enough to protect babies from neurodevelopmental damage from lead exposures," said Houlihan. Also read | Johnson & Johnson to stop selling its talc-based baby powder globally in 2023 as lawsuits mount She added "lead is in almost every baby food" her organisation has tested and said that FDA's action levels "will influence almost none of that food." The Centers for Disease Control, too, has previously said that there is no safe level of lead for children. As per the agency, children below the age of six absorb the contaminant more readily and are at a greater risk. As per CDC, "there is also evidence that childhood exposure to lead can cause long-term harm." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US FDA 'limits' quantity of disability-causing lead in baby food

The first shipment of baby formula has arrived in the Unites States' city of Indianapolis from Germany. The cargo plane that took off from the US air base in Germany has brought more than 70,000 pounds of powdered baby formula.

Parents relieved as baby formula delivery arrives in US from Germany

The US government now plans to send planes to bring baby formula from overseas. The dangerous shortage is forcing parents to turn towards potentially dangerous alternatives. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: America's dangerous shortage of baby formula

The United States President Joe Biden's administration has announced new steps to ease the national shortage of baby formula, including allowing more imports from overseas.

Unable to feed babies, US expedites baby formula import to mitigate shortage

There's no end in sight to America's shortage of&nbsp;baby&nbsp;formula&nbsp;-- and the crisis has highlighted the lack of competition that has spread to all parts of the US economy, even essential ones such as food for infants.

The problem "is not going to solve itself in a day or week," Brian Deese, a top White House economic advisor, told CNN Friday.

He was unable to say how long the crisis would last.

Initially caused by supply chain blockages and a lack of production workers due to the pandemic, the shortage was exacerbated in February when, after the death of two infants, manufacturer Abbott announced a "voluntary recall" for&nbsp;formula&nbsp;made at its factory in Michigan and shut down that location.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-baby-formula-shortage-what-is-it-and-who-is-most-at-risk-478560">US baby formula shortage: What is it and who is most at risk?</a>

The shortage has left many parents frantic and fearful their infants may starve.&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;is a necessity for many families, particularly in low-income households where mothers have to return to work almost immediately after giving birth and cannot breastfeed.

A further issue is that prices for the&nbsp;formula&nbsp;that remains have skyrocketed.

An investigation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared Abbott's&nbsp;formula&nbsp;but made 483 "observations" about the factory, Abbott said in a statement Friday.

"We immediately began implementing corrective actions and&nbsp;subject to FDA approval, we could restart our Sturgis, Mich., site within two weeks," the company said.

The FDA promised to announce plans next week that would allow, among other things, the import of&nbsp;formula&nbsp;produced overseas.

Matter of weeks

The FDA currently bans most foreign infant&nbsp;formula, including products made in Europe, not because of health concerns but due to labeling and packaging standards.

"We believe these and other ongoing efforts will help dramatically improve the supply in the US in a matter of weeks," FDA head Robert Califf said Friday on Twitter.

US President Joe Biden also said it "will be a matter of weeks or less" to start fully refilling shelves.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: US is running out of baby formula

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He said that stock levels in stores had begun to stabilize this week.

According to the data collection agency Datasembly, as of Tuesday, 43 percent of the usual&nbsp;formula&nbsp;supply was out of stock, up 10 percent from the April average.

Deese stressed that safety was key in solving the&nbsp;formula&nbsp;shortage and said that Biden's administration had been running on all cylinders to try and provide enough supply.

Accused of a wait-and-see attitude or even indifference, the White House unveiled some measures Thursday to tackle the issue, but the scope seemed limited.

Biden said Friday that his administration had intervened as soon as it was aware of the problem, but that they had to "move with caution as well as speed."

Just three manufacturers&nbsp;

"The White House... is considering all sorts of options for helping parents, which is good," Amanda Starbuck, a research director at the Food &amp; Water Watch group, a food safety NGO, told AFP.

She said the crisis was indicative of the problem with extreme concentration throughout the food production chain.

Three US companies control 95 per cent of&nbsp;formula&nbsp;sales, according to Starbuck.

"It matters a little less if... we're talking about soda or chips. But it matters a lot more when we're talking about essential things like milk," she said.

The current situation is the result of a decades-long movement. The concentration has benefited US companies that, in the absence of competition, have been able to agree on prices among themselves, Starbuck explained.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/babys-day-out-four-year-old-kid-goes-for-a-spin-in-moms-car-in-netherlands-475698">Baby’s day out: Four-year-old kid goes for a spin in mom’s car in Netherlands &nbsp;</a>

"But the blame is not completely on these companies," she said. "Why has our government allowed for... just three companies to control so much?"

Not to mention that the companies' giant size does not make them more efficient.

"It's not efficient when there's a single recall that affects every single parent across the country who needs to feed their child," she said.

Starbuck said it's time to turn back the clock, even if it means dismantling the huge corporations.

"What we need to do now is pass comprehensive antitrust legislation in order to better scrutinize companies, to break up companies that have gotten so big that they're abusing their market power," she said.

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There's no end in sight to America's shortage of baby formula -- and the crisis has highlighted the lack of competition that has spread to all parts of the US economy, even essential ones such as food for infants.

There's no end in sight to America's shortage of baby formula -- and the crisis has highlighted the lack of competition that has spread to all parts of the US economy, even essential ones such as food for infants. The problem "is not going to solve itself in a day or week," Brian Deese, a top White House economic advisor, told CNN Friday. He was unable to say how long the crisis would last. Initially caused by supply chain blockages and a lack of production workers due to the pandemic, the shortage was exacerbated in February when, after the death of two infants, manufacturer Abbott announced a "voluntary recall" for formula made at its factory in Michigan and shut down that location. Also read | US baby formula shortage: What is it and who is most at risk? The shortage has left many parents frantic and fearful their infants may starve. Formula is a necessity for many families, particularly in low-income households where mothers have to return to work almost immediately after giving birth and cannot breastfeed. A further issue is that prices for the formula that remains have skyrocketed. An investigation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared Abbott's formula but made 483 "observations" about the factory, Abbott said in a statement Friday. "We immediately began implementing corrective actions and subject to FDA approval, we could restart our Sturgis, Mich., site within two weeks," the company said. The FDA promised to announce plans next week that would allow, among other things, the import of formula produced overseas. Matter of weeks The FDA currently bans most foreign infant formula, including products made in Europe, not because of health concerns but due to labeling and packaging standards. "We believe these and other ongoing efforts will help dramatically improve the supply in the US in a matter of weeks," FDA head Robert Califf said Friday on Twitter. US President Joe Biden also said it "will be a matter of weeks or less" to start fully refilling shelves. Watch | Gravitas: US is running out of baby formula He said that stock levels in stores had begun to stabilize this week. According to the data collection agency Datasembly, as of Tuesday, 43 percent of the usual formula supply was out of stock, up 10 percent from the April average. Deese stressed that safety was key in solving the formula shortage and said that Biden's administration had been running on all cylinders to try and provide enough supply. Accused of a wait-and-see attitude or even indifference, the White House unveiled some measures Thursday to tackle the issue, but the scope seemed limited. Biden said Friday that his administration had intervened as soon as it was aware of the problem, but that they had to "move with caution as well as speed." Just three manufacturers "The White House... is considering all sorts of options for helping parents, which is good," Amanda Starbuck, a research director at the Food & Water Watch group, a food safety NGO, told AFP. She said the crisis was indicative of the problem with extreme concentration throughout the food production chain. Three US companies control 95 per cent of formula sales, according to Starbuck. "It matters a little less if... we're talking about soda or chips. But it matters a lot more when we're talking about essential things like milk," she said. The current situation is the result of a decades-long movement. The concentration has benefited US companies that, in the absence of competition, have been able to agree on prices among themselves, Starbuck explained. Also read | Baby’s day out: Four-year-old kid goes for a spin in mom’s car in Netherlands "But the blame is not completely on these companies," she said. "Why has our government allowed for... just three companies to control so much?" Not to mention that the companies' giant size does not make them more efficient. "It's not efficient when there's a single recall that affects every single parent across the country who needs to feed their child," she said. Starbuck said it's time to turn back the clock, even if it means dismantling the huge corporations. "What we need to do now is pass comprehensive antitrust legislation in order to better scrutinize companies, to break up companies that have gotten so big that they're abusing their market power," she said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Back to mom: US baby formula shortage leads to desperate scramble for breast milk

Families across the US are dealing with an increasing scarcity of baby formula. The shortage, which has been exacerbated by pandemic-related supply chain issues and recent product recalls.

US President Joe Biden announces steps to combat baby formula shortage

There is a shortage of baby formula in the United States. Several supermarkets have run out of baby food. The out-of-stock rate is over 40%. How does America plan to feed its babies? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: US is running out of baby formula

US: White House outlines steps on baby formula shortage

Companies making infant formula are saturating mothers' social media. The social media algorithms are automatically display ads they think are relevant to users. Watch this report to know more.

How infant formula makers are saturating mothers' social media with ads

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