A recent inspection uncovered that Nestlé’s claim — “proven to help children” — displayed on product packaging and in media promotions was misleading and lacked sufficient evidence, the provincial Department of Health said Thursday.
Specific violations were not disclosed.Nestlé Vietnam has not responded to the findings.
The global food giant makes the claim from a study it conducted in collaboration with the National Institute of Nutrition.
But the institute told the media earlier this week that the study concluded the product “did not show effectiveness in improving the nutritional status of students after three months.”
The inspectors also noted that the absence of testing data meant they could not confirm the product’s quality or safety.
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Nestlé Milo barley milk products with the National Institute of Nutrition labeled as a reference for a scientific study. Photo by Read/Le Nga |
The study was done between June 2022 and March 2023, examining the effects of physical education combined with Nestlé Milo barley milk on the nutritional status, physical fitness and cognitive abilities of 576 primary school students in the northern province of Ninh Binh.
It “did not show effectiveness in improving cognitive abilities” either, the institute said.
But the study did find that physical activities paired with Nestlé Milo consumption contributed to improvements in physical fitness components, including speed, strength, endurance, flexibility, and dexterity, it said.
Before the inspection result was announced, the institute had instructed Nestlé Vietnam to review all communications and advertisements, it said.
“If any information to the institute violates regulations, it must be removed immediately.”
Nestlé, in an explanation on May 15, referenced the study results as the basis of its claim, and said it had studied the pertinent legal provisions before promoting the product’s benefits in its advertising.
The company stated that its presentation of the research findings from the National Institute of Nutrition adheres to applicable regulations.
Authorities have recently uncovered numerous cases of fake milk products and medicines, substandard health supplements and low-quality cosmetics.
A number of celebrities have faced criticism for false advertising and exaggerating the benefits of milk and functional food products.
On May 22 the Ministry of Health set up 15 inspection teams to investigate pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, traditional medicines, milk, functional foods, and medical equipment across the country over the next month.
