Gom Mirian/Juliet Jacob
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has responded to allegations that Nestle’s infant formulas contain sugar and honey, stating that the products in question are not registered and not sold in Nigeria.
A statement made public on from NAFDAC’s website and sighted by Africa Health Report, the agency emphasised it’s commitment to ensuring the safety and compliance of infant and young children foods in the country, in line with international food standards.
According to findings by Swiss investigative organization Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), Nestle’s baby-food brands marketed in low- and middle-income countries contain high levels of added sugar, while the same products are sugar-free in Switzerland.
The report highlighted that almost all Cerelac infant cereals examined contain added sugar, with the highest amount detected in a product sold in the Philippines. Added that, Nido powdered milk products for young children from one to three years old were found to contain added sugar in lower-income countries, while being sold without added sugar in Switzerland and Nestlé’s main European markets.
In response to these allegations, NAFDAC stressed its commitment to regulatory diligence in the registration of infant and young children foods distributed and used in Nigeria, in accordance with relevant international food standards and Nigerian Industrial Standards.
“This applies 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 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 in these international food standards-setting arenas to contribute to Nigeria’s positions during food standards development.
“Regarding the mention of Nido follow-up milk formula in the publication, NAFDAC wishes to state that the product is not registered in Nigeria, is not known to the agency, and is not in circulation in Nigeria,” the statement read in part.”
