In an internal document, seen by the Financial Times, global food producer Nestlé has acknowledged that more than 60% of its mainstream foods and drinks do not “meet a recognised definition of health”.
They also acknowledged that “some of our categories and products will never be ‘healthy’ no matter how much we renovate,” the report claimed.
The Financial Times says a presentation sent to top Nestlé executives early this year says only 37% of the food giant’s food and beverages categorised by revenues, would achieve a healthy rating above under Australia’s health star rating system.
The presentation noted that the company was grappling with a “landscape where regulatory pressure and consumer demands are skyrocketing,” the presentation said.
Nestlé characterises itself as a “nutrition, health and wellness company”.
The presentation noted that Nestlé products such as a DiGiorno three meat croissant crust pizza, included about 40% of the recommended daily allowance of sodium, while an orange-flavoured San Pellegrino drink, which has 7.1 grams of sugar per 100g, scores an “E” – the worst mark available – in the Nutri-Score test.
Nestlé said: “In recent years, we have launched thousands of products for kids and families that meet external nutrition yardsticks. We have also distributed billions of micronutrient doses via our affordable and nutritious products.”
It added: “We believe that a healthy diet means finding a balance between wellbeing and enjoyment. This includes having some space for indulgent foods, consumed in moderation. Our direction of travel has not changed and is clear: we will continue to make our portfolio tastier and healthier.”