Nestlé, PepsiCo & Unilever Under Scrutiny for Selling Low-Quality Products in India

The report revealed that these companies modify product formulations, reducing quality and nutritional value
PepsiCo, Unilever, and Nestle, have been accused of selling lower-quality products in India (Representational Image: Unsplash)
PepsiCo, Unilever, and Nestle, have been accused of selling lower-quality products in India (Representational Image: Unsplash)
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Multinational corporations, including PepsiCo, Unilever, and Nestle, have been accused of selling lower-quality products in India and other low-income countries. A recent report exposed this practice.

The report revealed that these companies modify product formulations, reducing quality and nutritional value, specifically for markets like India. This contrasts with their premium products sold in developed countries.

Key findings:

  • Different packaging and labeling

  • Reduced nutritional content

  • Cheaper ingredients

  • Lower quality control standards

Experts criticize this products' practice, known as "double standards," arguing it exploits consumers in low-income countries, compromising their health and well-being.
PepsiCo claimed adherence to Indian regulations (Representational Image: Unsplash)
PepsiCo claimed adherence to Indian regulations (Representational Image: Unsplash)

It’s a very clear picture that what these companies are selling in the poorest countries in the world, where they are more and more active, are not healthy products

Mark Wijne, Research Director at ATNI

Companies have responded defensively:

  • PepsiCo claimed adherence to Indian regulations

  • Unilever emphasized commitment to quality and safety

  • Nestle stated compliance with local standards

Regulatory bodies in India have taken notice, with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) planning investigations. The report highlighted several alarming examples of multinational corporations compromising on product quality in India.

One such instance is PepsiCo's Lay's potato chips, which contain higher sodium content in India compared to the same product sold in the US. This disparity raises concerns about the potential health impacts on Indian consumers.

Another disturbing example cited is Unilever's Knorr soup mixes, which contain significantly higher levels of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in India. MSG has been linked to various health issues, and its excessive consumption can have detrimental effects. Consumer advocacy groups demand stricter regulations and transparency.

Regulatory bodies, such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), must take swift action (Representational Image: Unsplash)
Regulatory bodies, such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), must take swift action (Representational Image: Unsplash)

Nestle's Maggi noodles also came under scrutiny, with the report revealing higher lead content in the Indian version. Lead exposure can have severe health consequences, particularly for children, and this discrepancy raises questions about Nestle's commitment to consumer safety.

These examples illustrate a broader pattern of double standards employed by multinational corporations in India and other low-income countries. By altering product formulations and compromising on quality, these companies prioritize profits over consumer well-being.

These findings have sparked outrage and calls for greater accountability and transparency from multinational corporations operating in India. Regulatory bodies, such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), must take swift action to address these concerns and ensure consumer safety.

References:

  1. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). (n.d.). Recent Updates. Retrieved from: https://fssai.gov.in/recent-whatnew.php

  2. Oxfam International. (n.d.). Behind the Brands. Retrieved from: https://www.oxfam.org/en/tags/behind-brands

(Input From Various Sources)

(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM) 

PepsiCo, Unilever, and Nestle, have been accused of selling lower-quality products in India (Representational Image: Unsplash)
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