A viral video circulating on social media has reignited concerns over the sugar content of Nestlé’s Cerelac baby cereals sold in African markets, with the speaker urging parents and regulators to demand the same nutritional standards available to children in Europe. The video references findings from Swiss investigative organisation Public Eye, alleging that some Cerelac products marketed across Africa contain up to six grams of added sugar per serving, while comparable products sold in Switzerland contain no added sugar.
The renewed attention stems from a Public Eye investigation, conducted alongside the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), which analysed infant cereals and follow-up milk products sold across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The organisations reported that several Cerelac products intended for babies from six months contained added sucrose or honey, unlike equivalent products sold in major European markets. They argued that the differing formulations reflected a double standard in infant nutrition.
Brandspur Brand News reports that the viral clip also highlights research linking excessive sugar consumption during infancy to long-term health risks, including obesity, insulin resistance and other non-communicable diseases. Global health authorities, including the World Health Organization, recommend avoiding added sugars in foods for infants and young children to encourage healthier eating habits from an early age.
Nestlé has consistently rejected allegations that it applies different nutritional standards across markets. The company maintains that its products comply with all applicable local regulations and international food standards. It also says it has been reducing added sugar across its infant cereal portfolio and continues to expand no-added-sugar options while regularly reviewing product formulations in line with evolving nutritional science.
The controversy has renewed calls from consumer advocacy groups for regulators across Africa to strengthen standards governing baby foods. Although Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has previously stated that the use of sugar and honey in Cerelac complies with Nigerian and international food standards, campaigners continue to argue that manufacturers should offer the same sugar-free formulations sold in higher-income markets.
The latest viral video has once again fuelled public debate over infant nutrition, corporate accountability and whether baby food products sold in African countries should be reformulated to match those available elsewhere as awareness of childhood nutrition and diet-related diseases continues to grow.
