The report focused on Africa, a critical market where Nestlé holds a market share exceeding 50% and where annual Cerelac sales surpass USD 250 million.

With the assistance of various civil society organisations in Africa, Public Eye collected and analysed nearly a hundred Cerelac products sold in 20 countries on the continent. Analysis conducted by Inovalys, a specialised agri-food laboratory, found that more than 90% of the products contained added sugar, often in high quantities.

The findings show that Cerelac products sold in Africa contain significantly more sugar than those sold elsewhere:

In contrast, in Switzerland, where Nestlé is headquartered, the main baby cereal brand contains zero added sugar. Similarly, in key European markets such as Germany and the United Kingdom, all Cerelac products targeted at babies six months and older have no added sugar.

Experts and advocates warn that the practice carries serious public health consequences on a continent where obesity is rapidly increasing. 

In 2019, 24% of the world's overweight children under the age of five lived in Africa. 

Previously thought to be a problem in high-income countries, overweight is becoming more common in low- and middle-income countries; in Africa, the number of overweight children under the age of five has increased by nearly 12.1% since 2000.

WHO has long cautioned that early exposure to sugar can create a lasting preference for sugary products, serving as a major risk factor for overweight and obesity. 

The report also highlighted a lack of transparency, noting that for about two-thirds of the analysed products, the amount of added sugar was not disclosed in the nutritional information on the packaging, which critics argue “undermines consumer rights and public health”.

While Nestlé promotes Cerelac as being fortified with vitamins and minerals to "help fight malnutrition".

Nestlé maintained that it has a "consistent approach to nutrition for all babies everywhere" when contacted by Public Eye. The company asserted that it fully complies with national legislations and that its internal guidelines set an added sugar threshold well below that stipulated by the international standard of the UN Codex Alimentarius Commission.

Nestlé also stated that it declares sugar content transparently according to local regulatory requirements: “We do not mislead consumers.”

Nestlé further stated that it has accelerated the global rollout of Cerelac with no added sugar, including in Africa, and aims to introduce variants with no added sugars to all markets where it operates by the end of 2025.

Civil society organisations from Africa are calling on the multinational to immediately comply with the WHO guidelines. In an open letter, 20 organisations across countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, and Tunisia, demanded that the food giant immediately stop adding sugar to its baby foods.

Chiso Ndujkwe-Okafor, Executive Director of the Nigerian Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF), whose country is the largest market for Cerelac in Africa, called on Nestlé to “align with WHO guidelines”.

Advocacy groups warned Nestlé, stating, “All babies have an equal right to healthy nutrition—regardless of their nationality or skin colour. All babies are equal. So do the right thing. The world is watching.” 

A previous 2024 petition signed by 105,000 people was delivered to the company, but Nestlé has reportedly been “turning a deaf ear” to the appeal.

On the contrary, Diet Coke and plain Evian water contain zero sugar.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that both adults and children keep free sugar intake below 10% of total daily energy, and ideally under 5% for added health benefits.

For an average adult, that’s no more than 50g (about 12 teaspoons or 14 sugar cubes) per day, ideally closer to 25g (6 cubes).

The infographic shows that just one drink can meet or exceed this limit. A McDonald’s milkshake alone (56g) surpasses even the WHO’s “better‑health” threshold. Many common beverages deliver a day's worth of free sugar in one sitting.

Health risks linked to excess sugar

Studies show that consuming more free sugars correlates with increased risk of overweight, obesity, and dental caries (tooth decay). Keeping intake below 10% of energy is a strong recommendation.

Reducing further to under 5%, though supported by less strong evidence, is conditionally recommended for even greater benefit

To counter this hidden sugar epidemic, Healthy Schools Cambridgeshire and Peterborough delivers educational programmes in schools.

Through initiatives like Healthy You, Food Smart, and Healthy You , Healthy Me, the organisation provides lesson packs, interactive workshops, parent engagement, and teacher training, all aimed at improving nutrition literacy and helping young people make informed beverage choices.

Nowhere is this more evident than in American Samoa, where a staggering 80.2% of adults are classified as obese, making it a stark symbol of a global epidemic.

Pacific island nations, including American Samoa, have seen rapid lifestyle changes over the past few decades.

The growing reliance on imported, highly processed foods has significantly altered traditional diets. Coupled with increasingly sedentary lifestyles and limited access to fresh, nutritious produce, these shifts have created a perfect storm for obesity and related health issues.

The consequences are severe. According to the World Health Organisation , obesity dramatically increases the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, posing significant challenges for healthcare systems and economies.

Addressing these health risks requires not only promoting healthy eating and active living but also improving access to affordable, nutritious food options in vulnerable regions.

This crisis serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between globalisation, dietary habits, and public health. Urgent action is needed to curb the tide of obesity and its associated health risks, both in Pacific island nations and around the world.