CADEF pushes for zero sugar in baby cereals, warns of health risks

By Maryanne Awuya

The Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) has ramped up its push for a nationwide ban on added sugar in infant cereals, citing the long-term health risks associated with early sugar exposure.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Abuja on Thursday covered by Persecondews, the foundation unveiled findings from its “Zero-Sugar in Baby Cereals” national campaign.

CADEF’s research highlights a troubling trend: popular infant products like Cerelac and other leading baby foods sold across Africa, including Nigeria, contain significantly high levels of added sugar.

CADEF, in collaboration with Public Eye, noted that a 2025 study across over 20 countries found an average of about five grams of sugar per 100 millilitres in Nigeria, raising concerns about long-term health implications.

CADEF Executive Director Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor warned that added sugars provide zero nutritional benefits, instead “priming” children for a lifetime of obesity, diabetes, and dental decay.

To combat this, she urged Nigerian regulators to align with World Health Organization (WHO) standards, which strictly discourage sweeteners in infant nutrition.

The foundation specifically called on NAFDAC, SON, and the FCCPC to enforce rigorous labeling and formulation standards.

Among CADEF’s key proposals are a total ban on added sugar in foods for infants under six months and a mandate for “front-of-pack” sugar disclosures, backed by strict penalties for manufacturers who fail to comply.

The foundation cited international examples, noting that manufacturers such as Nestlé (The producer and owner of Cerelac ) have introduced multiple sugar-free variants in countries like India following regulatory pressure.

According to CADEF, Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to protect children and address the rising burden of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases across Africa.

Persecondnews reports that the stakeholder engagement brought together regulators, civil society organisations and lawmakers, with discussions focused on accelerating legislative action at the National Assembly to enforce zero-added-sugar standards in baby foods.