In a recent Nestle shareholders’ meeting, attention was drawn to the sugar content in infant milk sold in less affluent areas. This discussion, prompted by a recent study, took place on April 18 and focused on critical decisions concerning Nestle’s product offerings.
ShareAction, an NGO focused on responsible investment, put forth a motion pressing Nestle to reduce the sales of food and beverage items containing high levels of sugar, salt, and fats. The proposal aimed to boost the percentage of sales derived from healthier products, requiring Nestle to disclose sales data categorized by the healthiness of the products and establish corresponding targets.
ShareAction stated, “While Nestle expresses a commitment to enhancing global health, the bulk of its worldwide sales in food and beverages consist of unhealthy products. Unhealthy diets are shortening lives by fueling conditions like diabetes, heart diseases, and certain cancers.”
However, Nestle rejected the claim that the majority of its products are unhealthy. In its statement, it argued that “people can enjoy indulgent products in moderation” and underscored that individuals have the autonomy to make healthy choices.
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However, Nestle shareholders voted against this proposal, with only 11% in favor, expressing concerns about limiting the company’s “strategic freedom.” Nestle responded by affirming that individuals should have the liberty to enjoy indulgent products in moderation, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility in making healthy choices.
ShareAction condemned Nestle’s dismissal, advocating for the adoption of internationally recognized standards to define healthy food. They contended that Nestle’s significant global impact on consumer diets demands a shift towards healthier products, ultimately benefiting communities worldwide.
ShareAction urged Nestle “to adhere to globally recognized standards for defining healthy food, rather than diverging from reputable guidelines.” Additionally, they emphasized, “As the largest food company globally, Nestlé wields significant influence over the diets and lives of billions through its production, advertising, and sales. A shift away from unhealthy product sales by Nestlé would undoubtedly foster healthier communities worldwide and, in the long run, contribute to economic well-being.”
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In 2023, Nestle set a goal to increase the sales of healthier food items by 50% by 2030. Nonetheless, ShareAction voiced apprehensions that this objective might merely mirror Nestle’s projected growth trajectory, lacking substantial influence on consumer eating habits and public health.
Previously, Action on Sugar criticized Nestle for the high sugar content found in cereals and yogurts targeted at children. Their research revealed that 65% of the surveyed yogurts contained one-third of the daily maximum sugar recommendation for 4-6 year-olds, based on the manufacturer’s suggested serving size.
The outcome of the Nestle shareholders’ meeting highlights continuing discussions regarding the obligations of food companies in advocating for healthier diets. Despite Nestle’s establishment of targets to enhance the sales of nutritious items, doubts linger regarding the company’s dedication to mitigating the impact of its products on consumer health. ShareAction’s push for more stringent standards mirrors the escalating worries about the global food industry’s responsibility in tackling public health issues.
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