Nestlé faces legal action over baby food sugar scandal, NGOs urge swiss intervention

Public Eye and IBFAN are urging Switzerland's SECO to take legal action against Nestlé for unethical promotion of high-sugar baby food products in low- and middle-income countries, contrasting with offerings in Switzerland and other European markets without added sugar.\r

The NGOs' formal request, based on evidence, calls for federal proceedings under Switzerland's Unfair Competition Act. Nestlé's products like Cerelac and Nido allegedly violate WHO guidelines, prompting regulatory scrutiny globally, including in India, Nigeria, and Bangladesh. \r

The NGOs argue that such practices mislead consumers and breach the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. Nestlé India's chairman noted efforts to introduce a zero-sugar variant and reduce added sugar, stressing compliance with local regulations amid international scrutiny.