Fighting Childhood Obesity: Move to Ban Added Sugar in Infant Meals

By Maryanne Awuya

Health and consumer advocates in Nigeria have called on the Nigerian government to consider banning added sugars in infant foods, specifically naming brands like Cerelac.

Experts warn that early sugar exposure is a “ticking time bomb” for long-term health, potentially fueling future rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases.

The controversy stems from a 2025 report by Swiss watchdog, Public Eye, supported locally by the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF).

The report exposed a double standard: while Nestlé’s baby cereals in many European markets are sugar-free, those sold across Africa are often heavily sweetened.

During a recent summit in Abuja, CADEF Executive Director Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor highlighted the severity of the issue.

She noted that many local baby cereals contain 4g to 5g of added sugar per serving—an amount that offers zero nutritional value but poses significant risks to developing infants.

“We are not saying manufacturers broke any law, but the regulation is outdated,” she said.

“Added sugar in infant formula like cerelac is not necessary. It offers no nutritional value and instead exposes children to risks like early diabetes, obesity, and dental diseases.”

Okafor said that similar products by the same Cerelac manufacturers Nestle in Europe contain zero added sugar, citing India’s 2024 reforms that forced the introduction of multiple sugar-free variants.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria said it is reviewing existing regulations, with Director at SON, Jubril Muhammad, confirming that updated standards could be introduced within a year based on stakeholder consensus.

“We don’t ban products outright; we set standards guided by public health considerations,” he said.

He added that the agency would review the relevant infant formula standards to determine whether they should be updated to address sugar content, with a timeline of less than one year for completion.

Also representative of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Child Development Department, Mr. Adeyemo Adebayo Adeyelure, said the need for nationwide awareness is important, noting that many parents remain unaware of the risks.

“Babies do not need added sugar. Advocacy must go beyond the National Assembly to communities, religious and traditional institutions,” he said.

Adebayo said that exclusive breastfeeding remains essential in the first six months of life, noting that babies do not require additional food or sugar within that period.

From a clinical perspective, a representative of the Pediatric Association of Nigeria, Dr. Anthony Bawa, called for stronger regulation and local research.

“We must involve academia and policymakers to address the impact of added sugar in children’s diets and push for enforceable national policies,” he said.

Dr. Bawa also referenced existing research and raised concerns about locally consumed high-sugar products, calling for greater regulatory attention from authorities, including NAFDAC.

The health of Nigeria’s youngest citizens is taking center stage as advocates push the National Assembly for a total ban on added sugars in baby food.

This move aligns with WHO recommendations, which warn that early sugar consumption traps children in a cycle of unhealthy cravings and long-term illness.

With experts and regulators now speaking with one voice, the pressure is on for Nigeria to adopt a mandatory zero-sugar policy.