High-Level Meeting in Abuja Sparks Concern Over Added Sugar in Baby Foods
A high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja recently, organised by the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) in collaboration with Public Eye, brought attention to alarming findings regarding the sugar content in baby foods. The discussion centered on new research that revealed a significant presence of added sugar in infant cereal products, particularly those manufactured by global brands like Nestlé.
Public Eye’s study focused on Cerelac, a widely consumed infant cereal across Africa. Laboratory tests conducted on nearly 100 samples purchased from over 20 African countries found that 94% of the products contained added sugar. On average, each serving had approximately 6 grams of added sugar—equivalent to about one and a half sugar cubes. Some samples recorded as much as 7 to 7.5 grams per serving, while Nigerian samples averaged around 5 grams, with some reaching up to 6.1 grams.
It is important to note that these figures refer strictly to sugar added during the manufacturing process. Naturally occurring sugars present in ingredients such as grains, fruits, and milk were not included in the measurements.
Nestlé, the manufacturer of Cerelac, has stated that its products comply with local regulations and are fortified to address nutritional deficiencies. However, the company has not provided an explanation for why sugar-free formulations are available in Europe but not in African markets. This discrepancy has raised concerns among advocates and health professionals.
A Call for Healthier Standards
Opening the session, Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director of CADEF, emphasized that the advocacy is not directed at any single company but aims to protect children’s health and promote a zero-added-sugar standard for infant foods in Nigeria. “African babies are being fed sugar Europe would never accept,” she said, highlighting the disparities in product formulations across different regions.
Ndukwe-Okafor pointed out that some cereal-based infant foods contain “over four grams, almost five grams of sugar.” While manufacturers are not breaching existing laws, she stressed that the current standards are outdated and based on Codex guidelines developed over 30 years ago. She urged regulatory authorities to align national standards with modern global health recommendations.
CADEF warned that early exposure to added sugars can influence children’s taste preferences and increase their risk of obesity, diabetes, dental disease, and other non-communicable conditions later in life. This concern aligns with guidance from the World Health Organization, which advises against the inclusion of added sugars in infant foods.
Recommendations for Regulatory Reform
Stakeholders at the meeting called on key regulators, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to review existing standards and enforce clearer, more transparent labeling requirements. CADEF emphasized that parents deserve accurate and easy-to-understand information when making nutritional choices.
Among the recommendations proposed was the introduction of mandatory front-of-pack labeling that clearly identifies and distinguishes sources of sugar. Ndukwe-Okafor stated that regulators and pediatric stakeholders expressed support for reform. “We need front-of-pack labeling in simple language that separates the source of sugar on each product,” she said.
Multi-Sector Collaboration for Change
Adeyemo Adebayo of the Nutrition Division at the Federal Ministry of Health stressed the importance of policy reforms being complemented by sustained public advocacy. He called for broader health education efforts beyond formal legislation, including engagement with traditional and religious leaders to drive grassroots awareness that infants do not require added sugar.
Jubril Mohammed, representing the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, noted that the agency’s role is to facilitate consensus-driven standards rather than impose unilateral decisions. He emphasized that proposals such as eliminating added sugar must be backed by evidence and stakeholder agreement, adding that review processes can take up to a year. However, he expressed the agency’s willingness to collaborate with CADEF.
From a clinical perspective, Dr. Anthony Bawa, representing the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), called for stronger multi-sector collaboration involving academia, health institutions, and lawmakers to address the risks associated with added sugars in infant diets. He highlighted the importance of National Assembly involvement in enacting effective legislation to protect children’s health.
International Precedents and Immediate Actions
The meeting also highlighted international precedents, such as India, where sustained advocacy and regulatory pressure have led manufacturers to introduce multiple no-added-sugar variants of infant foods. This demonstrates that reform is achievable.
As interim guidance, advocates urged parents to limit processed foods, avoid sugary drinks and sweets for young children, and prioritize natural options such as fruits. “Don’t give children soft drinks. Don’t give them sweets,” Ndukwe-Okafor advised, recommending healthier alternatives like bananas and mangoes.
The coalition said it will engage senior policymakers and the National Assembly to push for stricter regulations, including a zero-added-sugar benchmark for infant foods in Nigeria. Stakeholders agreed that a combination of regulatory reform, industry accountability, and consumer education will be critical to safeguarding infant health and securing a healthier future.
