1 week ago
Reuters Investigation Finds Global Brands Use Different Indian Recipes
A Reuters investigation found that some famous food brands use different recipes in India and other countries.
For example, KitKat sold in India has much less cocoa than the Australian version.
Many Maggi noodles in India use palm oil, while some sold in the United Kingdom use sunflower oil.
Some products made in India for export carry warning labels that are not required on the same products sold domestically.
Food activist Revant Himatsingka has criticized these differences online.
His videos have attracted more than five million followers.
Nestlé said it would introduce sugar-free Cerelac in India after concerns from activists.
Indian regulators are considering clearer labels to warn shoppers about foods high in salt, sugar or fat.
Indian KitKat contains 4.5% cocoa solids, compared with at least 22% in Australia.
Indian Maggi variants use palm oil, while several UK versions use sunflower oil.
Food activist Revant Himatsingka says Indian consumers are offered less-favourable products.
Nestlé plans to introduce sugar-free Cerelac in India after activist criticism.
Indian regulators are reviewing front-of-pack warnings for foods high in fat, sugar or salt.
- Who
- Nestlé, PepsiCo, food activist Revant Himatsingka, Indian food regulators, health activists and industry representatives.
- What
- A Reuters investigation examined differences between food products sold in India and comparable versions sold in other countries, alongside a dispute over nutritional warning labels.
- Where
- India, with comparisons involving products sold in Australia and the United Kingdom.
- When
- The investigation reported recent developments, including Nestlé's 2024 Cerelac announcement, a Supreme Court action in February, and regulatory discussions in March and August.
- Why
- Activists are seeking greater transparency and stronger health warnings, while companies and industry representatives have raised concerns about labeling standards and implementation.
Activists and health advocates
Industry and regulators
Different recipes
Activists and health advocates
Activists argue that Indian consumers may receive less-favourable versions of products than consumers in other markets.
Industry and regulators
The articles do not report a direct response from Nestlé to the recipe comparisons; industry representatives instead called for greater clarity from regulators.
Front-of-pack warnings
Activists and health advocates
Health activists support prominent, interpretive warnings to help consumers identify products high in fat, sugar or salt.
Industry and regulators
The India Food & Beverage Association has warned that broad labels could mark many products, including coconut water with naturally occurring sugar, and said international standards may be difficult to apply in India.
Sting energy-drink claims
Activists and health advocates
Revant Himatsingka questioned the sugar and artificial-sweetener content of PepsiCo's Sting beverage.
Industry and regulators
PepsiCo argued in court that his allegations were untrue and could fuel a campaign against the drink; a Delhi court ordered the video removed.
Key facts
- KitKat cocoa content
- The Indian version contains 4.5% cocoa solids; the Australian milk-chocolate version contains at least 22% cocoa.
- Maggi cooking oil
- All Maggi variants sold in India use palm oil, while several UK versions use sunflower oil.
- Food Pharmer audience
- Revant Himatsingka has more than 5 million followers on YouTube and Instagram.
- Cerelac change
- Nestlé announced plans in 2024 to introduce sugar-free Cerelac in India.
- Packaged-food market
- Industry estimates suggest about 80% of India's packaged food and beverage products could be high in fat, sugar or salt.
- Market value
- India's packaged food and beverage market is valued at more than $100 billion.
- Current labeling
- Manufacturers in India are currently required to provide ingredient lists and basic nutritional information on the back of packaging.
Quotes
Supreme Court judges
Judges commenting on India’s regulation of packaged-food health warnings
“the world should know that India is very much concerned about the overall health of its citizens”
livemint.com
Sources
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