Maggi manufacturer Nestle's 70 pct food products 'unhealthy', says internal report

The world’s biggest food company also admitted that some of its food products will ‘never be healthy’ no matter “how much we renovate”.

UK business daily-Financial Times, in a report, cited a presentation circulated among top executives of the company in early 2021, stating that only 37% of Nestle’s products, excluding pet food and specialised medical nutrition, achieved a rating of 3.5 or higher under Australia’s health star rating system.

The company considered 3.5-star rating as the “recognised definition of health”.

The system rates foods on a scale of 5 stars and is used by international groups as the benchmark.

On Tuesday, Nestle said it has launched a company-wide project to update its nutrition and health strategy. "It is looking at its entire portfolio to ensure that its products are helping meet their nutritional needs and supporting a balanced diet," a Nestle SA spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.

According to the presentation, out of the company’s total food and drinks portfolio, 70% of products failed to meet the standard, with 90% of beverages excluding pure coffee.

Water and dairy products, however, scored better with 82% of waters and 60% of dairy above the mark.

In India, Nestle is one of the leading brands in the packaged food category.

It presently operates eight production units in India and had reported net sales of ₹13,290.16 crore for 2020, said the HT report.