Nestlé focuses on healthier foods strategy amid unhealthy product criticism

Nestlé is reportedly planning to reduce salt and sugar percentage in its products and introduce new healthier options to its consumers.

The Switzerland-based company is facing criticism over unhealthy products after Financial Times cited an internal company presentation, which said that 60% of its mainstream food and drinks portfolio does not meet a ‘recognised definition of health’.

The newspaper said that the presentation document was circulated among top Nestlé executives earlier this year.

Categories such as infant formula, pet food, coffee and medical nutrition are excluded from the data.

In a statement, Nestlé said: “We are looking at our entire portfolio across the different phases of people’s lives to ensure our products are helping meet their nutritional needs and supporting a balanced diet.

“Our efforts build on a strong foundation of work over decades to improve the nutritional footprint of our products.”

As part of this initiative, the company is assessing certain products in its food and beverage portfolio that can be measured against external nutrition profiling systems.

The manufacturer added: “Systems like the Health Star Rating and Nutri-Score are useful in this regard and enable consumers to make informed choices.”

Sources familiar with the strategy told Times of India that Nestlé is working to update its nutrition and health strategy in India.

The sources further added that the company is focusing on options such as spinach and atta Maggi and Fruit O’Nuts Munch as part of this initiative, as well as its research and development centre in Manesar, Haryana, being tasked to develop healthier options.