A recent investigation revealed that Nestlé adds sugar to the majority of Cerelac baby cereals sold in Africa, despite WHO guidelines recommending no added sugars in foods for children under three. Researchers found added sugar in over 90% of the tested samples, with an average of 6 grams per serving. The majority of products without added sugar were imported or recently launched in South Africa, leading to accusations of “double standards” and prioritizing profits over the health of African babies. Nestlé defended its practices, citing the importance of palatable cereals in combating malnutrition and stating that their recipes comply with national regulations, while also announcing the acceleration of its rollout of no added sugar varieties in African countries.
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The shocking news that 1 in 3 teens have prediabetes is a real wake-up call. It’s a staggering figure, and honestly, it doesn’t completely surprise me. Thinking back to my own high school experience, the food choices weren’t exactly ideal. The “healthy” options were often basic and unappealing, while the tempting, sugary stuff was readily available and, let’s be honest, often more appealing. When you’re a growing teen, those extra calories can feel necessary, leading to a cycle of choosing the less nutritious options.
It seems like sugar is lurking everywhere these days. Single-serving drinks boasting more sugar than you should consume in a day, or even a day and a half, are commonplace.… Continue reading
The USDA has finally updated rules for school meals, limiting added sugars for the first time. As a cook at a non-profit preschool, I can attest to the excessive sugar content in so-called “approved” kids’ food. It’s shocking to see the amount of added sugars in seemingly healthy options like whole grain muffins, waffles, and french toast. The labor-intensive process of incorporating fresh produce and dairy into meals is often overlooked due to the convenience and cost-efficiency of processed foods.
Improving school meals is crucial, considering the poor nutrition and low wages of cafeteria staff in many institutions. It’s disheartening to see school lunches consisting of minimal portions of subpar nutrition, such as corn dogs and chips.… Continue reading
The recent report exposing Nestlé for adding sugar to infant milk sold in poorer countries is truly disturbing. It is disheartening to see a corporation take advantage of vulnerable populations, preying on mothers who may not have access to accurate information or resources. Nestlé’s tactics of providing free formula to breastfeeding moms, leading to their dependence on it, is a cunning and unethical business strategy that needs to be called out and condemned.
The fact that sugar is being added to infant milk formula for children aged six months and older is alarming. Sugar is not a necessary ingredient in infant nutrition and can have detrimental effects on a child’s health, especially in developing countries where access to proper healthcare and nutrition is limited.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood