Exclusive: FSSAI to investigate quality-related claims made against Nestle

FSSAI is keeping an eye on reports that Nestlé products in India contain high levels of added sugar and that the global giant has different standards for products sold in India and abroad.

Sources told Zee Business that the regulator's scientific committee will investigate the report, and action against Nestlé is possible if discrepancy is found.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) officials said that the organisation assures the consumer that the products sold in the country are strictly monitored as per the geography of India.

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The food regulator keeps checking such products from time to time, says FSSAI.

The consumer department of the central government will also seek clarification from Nestle.

If sources are to be believed, the government clearly says that double standards will not work.

Public Eye, a Swiss organisation and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), in its investigative report said that baby-food brands sold by global giant Nestle in India contain high levels of added sugar, while such products are sugar-free in the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, and other developed nations.

In its response, Nestlé India spokesperson, said: “We believe in the nutritional quality of our products for early childhood and prioritize using high-quality ingredients. Over the past 5 years, Nestlé India has reduced added sugars by up to 30%, depending on the variant, in our infant cereals portfolio (milk cereal-based complementary food) . We regularly review our portfolio and continue to innovate and reformulate our products to further reduce the level of added sugars without compromising on quality, safety and taste.”