Nestle: Infant formula with excess sugar not sold, registered in Nigeria, NAFDAC insists

In response to the investigative report that indicted the global food giant, Nestle, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has insisted that the mentioned Nido follow-up milk formula is not registered in Nigeria, not known to the Agency and is not in circulation in the country.

In a press statement tagged: “Nestle Adds Sugar to Infant Milk Sold in poorer Countries: NAFDACS Response”, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Christianah Adeyeye explained that the range of Nestle Cerelac infant cereals distributed in Nigeria were duly registered with NAFDAC in line with the Nigerian Industrial Standard for Foods for Infants and Young Children – Processed Cereal Based foods (NIS 256:2010) and the Codex Standard for Processed Cereal-based Foods for Infants and Young Children (CXS 74-1981 adopted in 1981, revised in 2006, amended in 2017, 2019, and 2023), as well as the applicable NAFDAC regulations for compliance with safety, quality, and labelling requirements.

Adeyeye reassured Nigerians that NAFDAC exercises due regulatory diligence in the registration of infant and young children foods distributed and used in Nigeria.

The statement reads in parts: “The attention of the Management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a media report circulated widely to the general public via social media stating that Nestle, the worlds largest consumer goods company, adds sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many poorer countries, contrary to international guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases.

“The report goes further to state that samples of baby food products sold in Asia, Africa and Latin America were tested and results of analysis, and examination of product packaging revealed added sugar in the form of sucrose or honey in samples of Nido, a follow-up milk formula brand intended for use for infants aged one and above, and Cerelac, a cereal aimed at children aged between six months and two years.

“The Management of NAFDAC wishes to use this medium to reassure the public 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 (Codex) and more specifically, Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS). This is applicable 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 (CAC) 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 at these international food standards setting arena to contribute to Nigeria’s position during food standards development.