Research: NZ Customer Perception of Nestle Baby Food Nanoparticles

This report examines the perceptions of New Zealand customers regarding the presence of toxic nanoparticles in Nestle's baby food formulas. The research explores the controversy surrounding the use of nanotechnology and hydroxyapatite in infant formulas, following the discovery of potentially harmful needle-shaped nanoparticles by Friends of the Earth. The report details the findings of interviews with six mothers, revealing concerns about the safety of these formulas and the potential impact on their children's health, despite FSANZ's stance that the formulas are safe. It delves into the use of nanotechnology in food processing and packaging, the regulatory frameworks in place to ensure food safety, and the limitations of the research, including the small sample size and the reliance on secondary data. The conclusion offers recommendations on how Nestle can regain consumer trust by addressing these concerns and providing transparent information about its products. The report also includes an overview of how baby food is prepared, the role of nanotechnology in food safety, and the regulations governing its use in Australia and New Zealand.

Research on what do New Zealand customers feel about the toxic
nanoparticles issue in
Nestle’s baby food
[Type the document subtitle]
[Type the author name]
[Pick the date]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Nestle, one of the most trusted brands in the world, especially with regards baby food
formulas has been almost every mother’s favourite. Infant formulas are most widely used
among mothers when they stop breast feeding their child as it is at that time that they would
need such a food which would help fulfil the necessary health related requirements such as
that of proteins, calcium and minerals. With the advent of technological advancement, Nestle
has started to use nanotechnology while manufacturing the baby infant food formula and has
been running successfully across the globe, until and unless, Friends of Earth discovered in
some samples availability of needle shape nanoparticles, which they consider it to be harmful
for the kids as according to them the same not easily dissolvable. However the FSANZ has
still not recalled the same form the market, as according to them the same is not dangerous
for the health of kids. An illustration of 6 mothers chosen on a random basis who use the said
formula has been taken and their views recorded. The final outcome reveals that there is an
upsurge and tension amongst the parents regarding the said issue, but most of them still
would not deter to switch back to Nestle baby infant formula post the clarification of doubts,
this is the level of trust they have on the brand. The said report would detail about the
feelings of the customers basis the sample taken regarding the said issue and how their trust
can be gained back.
Keywords: Nestle baby infant food formula, nanotechnologies, nanoparticles and
hydroxyapatite.
2

Table of Contents
PART 1 INTRODUCTION 4
LIMITATIONS TO THE RESEARCH 5
PART 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 6
HOW A BABY FOOD IS GENERALLY PREPARED? 6
NANOTECHNOLOGY AND FOOD SAFETY 6
REGULATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY TO ENSURE FOOD SAFETY 7
PART 3 RESEARCH METHODS..........................................................................................................9
RESEARCH PROBLEM AND DESIGN....................................................................................................9
DATA COLLECTION METHODS...........................................................................................................9
SAMPLE DESIGN.................................................................................................................................9
HYPOTHESIS.....................................................................................................................................10
PART 4 FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS.............................................................................................11
DATA ANALYSIS TOOL......................................................................................................................11
DATA COLLECTED AND THE LITERATURE STATED............................................................................13
PART 5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION............................................................................15
APPENDICES......................................................................................................................21
3

PART 1 INTRODUCTION
Nestle is the world’s largest food and beverage corporation with more than 2000 brands and
having its presence in 189 countries across the globe. Its main goal is to enable the citizens
live a life which is healthy by nature, thereby contributing in providing them with a brighter
future. It was Nestle who first introduced baby food to the world in 1867. Nestle religiously
follows from more than a century now, their slogan “good food, good life”. Fierce
competition has arisen, and the competitors are always trying their best to rise up the ladder
of ranks leaving behind the company. So much that there has been various issues which the
company has been facing such as people of New Zealand have been claiming that the baby
products provided by them contain toxic nano particles, people in India have been made
aware that the Maggi being provided by Nestle contains lead particles.
The said research is about what the customers in New Zealand think about, with regards the
availability of toxic elements in the baby food provided by the company and what steps the
company can take to revive their lost trust. Before the same is discussed about, one needs to
understand why nano particles are being used in the baby food, to what extent and how the
same is being processed so that the harmful content gets eradicated completely. It is true that
Nestle is one of the food and beverage company which is also using nano technology for
processing of food and packaging as well but that does not mean that the same is being done
without taking care about the toxicity of the particles found in the nano particles.
The food regulators in Australia and New Zealand are being forced to evoke some of their
brands of infant formulas post discovery of the fact that they have probably toxic nano
particles. They have found that some of the infant formulas comprise of infinitesimal nano
hydroxyapatite atoms, even when they were forbidden to be used and hence the Friends of the
Earth are urging to recall back these products from the market (Friends of the Earth. 2017).
However, the literature review would detail about the said issue and how the trust of the
customers can be regained by making them aware of the correct details as the data
available was not complete and on the basis of incomplete data, the said news was
flashed which led to the change in the feelings of the customers of New Zealand.
Thus the main objective behind the said research is to find out the feelings of the New
Zealand customers towards this issue i.e. availability of the toxic nano particles in the
baby food produced by Nestle and how would the trust of the customers be regained
back.
4

LIMITATIONS TO THE RESEARCH
The issue is so critical since it is highlighting the harmful impacts of baby food formulas due
to availability of needle like nano scale particles which is not well known to the world, but its
implications can be hazardous and fatal. But the particular research would take into
consideration only the seven baby food formulas which was picked up randomly from a store
and tested. Along with the same, a detailed research is being conducted as to how did these
particles occur in the baby food which was processed, and FSANZ is stating that the
accusations imposed on them by Friends of the Earth (FoE) is incorrect without investigating
further. In addition to the same, the sample chosen is too small i.e just six random customers,
thus the limitations are also applicable to the number of participating interviewees. Further
to this, the data collection method used is not primary data collection method due to
which there are chances that the data collection method may be flawed. Lastly, not
much research has yet been conducted with regards the view points of the customers on
the said issue which also restricts the opinions stated by the customers to a small
sample.
5

PART 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
How a baby food is generally prepared?
It is a known fact that babies are generally breast fed by their mothers, but there are
exceptional cases wherein the mother is not able to feed her child and hence have to resort to
baby food so as to fulfil the nutritional deficiencies. Nowadays, even though the mothers can
breast feed their child, then also they prefer to start giving baby food to their child at a very
early age, simple reason being these processed food contain various nutrients which
otherwise the baby may be deprived of. Nestle is said to be the king in the said segment, so
much that the food product by the name of Nan is used by mothers across the globe
blindfolded.
Nestle has started to use nano technology while producing the baby formulas, as the new
technology promises a better product for the babies. As was said earlier that usage of
hydroxyapatite is forbidden, but the fact is that the same is an unsurprisingly stirring calcium
rich mineral that provides strength to the bones and teeth due to which its usage in the
preparation of baby formula is essential and acceptable (Maynard. 2016). Thus the
preparation of baby formulas have underwent a drastic change due to the advent of the new
nano technology.
NANOTECHNOLOGY AND FOOD SAFETY
Recognition of small quantum of a chemical pollutant in foodstuff arrangement is an
additional budding use of nano technology. The fitness connotations of food dispensation
methods that manufacture nano particles and nano scale emulsions also confirm the notice of
food regulators. The possibility for such foodstuffs to direct to novel health hazards should be
interrogated so as to confirm whether or not associated new food standards are needed or not.
Thus there is an immediate requirement for regulatory systems, who have the potential of
taking care of the risks related with nanofood and the utilisation of nano technology in the
food industry. In Australia and New Zealand, nanofood additives and components are
managed by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), under the Food Standards
Code . Further the regulations imposed in Australia are still fighting to upkeep side by side of
speedy development of nano technology into agriculture and food industry (Alfadul &
Elneshwy. 2010).
6

It is crucial to understand that nanoscale materials are not novel by nature as food is made up
of nanoscale sugars, amino acids, peptides and proteins, out of which a lot of it lead to
planned, purposeful nanostructures. Such as proteins fall the category of nanoscale size array
and milk is a mixture of nanoscale fat droplets. These elements have been a part of the intake
of humans from years without understanding any kind of unforeseen impact on the health due
to the nanoscale size of the component. Thus it is understood that food safety is a part of
nanotechnology as some materials when developed in the nano scale may possess varying
properties (Friends of the Earth. 2016). Hence, while replying to nanotechnologies, the
concentration of FSANZ ‘s work is not on the size of the component but on the materials that
may behave in an erratic manner biologically or chemically if found in the final food.
REGULATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGIES TO ENSURE FOOD SAFETY
The health related results with regards the ways and means of processing food that lead to the
production of nano particles and nano scale components also is a cause of concern for the
food regulators as well. The food standards are required to be updated and new laws
introduced, in order to cope up with the toxicity posed by the nano materials. Thus there is an
urgency which has been reported with regards the nanofood and the usage of
nanotechnologies in the said industry. The governments are expected to react to the said
technology’s societal, financial, communal freedom and moral challenges. In order to
guarantee self-governing rule of the nanotechnologies in the critical segment of food and
agriculture, the engagement of the public in the decision making is a compulsion.
The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (The Code) comprises of food standards
for food additives , vitamins and minerals, dispensation assist, contaminants and natural
toxicants, articles and materials in contact with food. Submissions with regards novel food
materials produced with the help of nanotechnologies or integrating new nanoscale
substances will be examined under the present standards. In December 2008, FSANZ
tightened the needs with regards the size of the materials in its Application Handbook to
confirm that an applicant provides correct data for FSANZ to carry out risk evaluation on a
product produced with the help of nanotechnologies.
Amongst the various disputes showed up by the nanotechnologies, perhaps the highest is the
requirement to smooth the progress of an impartial and well-versed argument about the
administration and outcomes of novel technology in the food industry. FSANZ understands
that the consumer’s understanding of risk can be prejudiced by various factors, comprising of
7

their standard of intelligence and knowledge, values and comprehension of the issues as well
as a person’s echelon of reception of the supposed gain. Under the present regulatory
engagements the echelon of risk pretence by products of nanotechnologies in food and food
packaging is said to be low and FSANZ’s conservative risk management tactics is construed
to be adequate to prolong a suitable and satisfactory rank of health fortification (Fletcher &
Bartholomaeus. 2011).
8

PART 3 RESEARCH METHODS
RESEARCH PROBLEM AND DESIGN
Baby formulas nowadays contain nano-sized particles which are of concern as some of them
have toxic impacts. Many queries crop up due to the usage of nanotechnologies in the
production of baby formulas nowadays. There are many things that are a part of the baby
formula such as proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins, however parents would not have
expected of finding an exceptionally small needle like particles in the baby food until the
same was discovered in Nestle’s baby food formula. The main area of concern discussed in
the said research report is how the customers of New Zealand would believe about being
aware of the toxic nano particles in the Nestle’s baby food formula and what steps could be
take to regain the lost trust of the customers due to the said issue. Thus the main research
design would comprise of taking a first-hand feedback from a couple of customers which
would help to understand what they feel about the said issue. Basis the said data collected, a
suitable methodology would be framed to regain the faith.
DATA COLLECTION METHOD
The information for carrying out the research program is collected by conducting a face to
face interaction with some customers on an adhoc basis. The study is conducted basis a
secondary set of data and information base. Therefore it connotes that the below stated
information is needed to be accumulated:
1. The date when the information regarding the availability of nano particles in the baby
food formula produced by Nestle was discovered.
2. The tests that were conducted which led to the discovery of the nano particles.
3. The reaction of the people, a small number of individuals, is taken to analyse the
reactions – though limited in nature.
4. The steps being taken to regain the lost faith and trust of the customers.
SAMPLING DESIGN
9

Given that the said research points towards the reaction of customers of New Zealand after
knowing the availability of nano particles which are toxic in the baby food formula
manufactured by Nestle, it can be understood that only those customers who use Nestle
products in specific and the prospective customers as well, who wish to use it in the near
future can be taken into account for the sample study and the review.
The main decisive factor which can be taken into account for the particular research is that
the customer should have been trusting over the product and be aware of the said issue and
the customers are aware of Nestle as a brand for baby food formula. A review related to
communication string was developed with 6 customers who were asked a set of preset
questions. The questions asked were:
1. Do you use Nestle baby food formula? If yes, since when.
2. What benefits does the baby food formula produced by Nestle have on the health of
the babies?
3. Are you aware of the fact that the baby formulas are manufactured using
nanotechnologies?
4. Nestle baby food NAN HA 1 Gold has been discovered with needle like nanoparticles
which are harmful for the children, what is your opinion on the same?
5. Do you think Nestle would ever endanger a baby’s life by producing such toxic baby
food formulas?
6. Nanotechnologies is a newer concept, and regulations are yet to be streamlined, but
Nestle being the oldest player in the market would not take such a critical risk.
However, don’t you think the company should be given a chance to prove itself and
clarify the issues?
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS DURING THE RESEARCH
The research was conducted after taking into account the ethical part of the study. The names
of the customers have been kept anonymous so that their identity is not revealed and adequate
privacy is maintained. Further, only that part of the data has been mentioned which ensures
that the customers are not offended and their respect with regards their feelings towards usage
of a product is maintained adequately.
10

HYPOTHESIS
The main goal behind accomplishing the said research is to ascertain the believes and feeling
of the customers of New Zealand on knowing about the toxic nanoparticles present in the
baby food formula manufactured by Nestle. Further to the same, the study would also
evaluate the data collected on interviewing 6 random customers who use or are prospective
users of the Nestle baby food. The said proposal would be hypothetical by nature as the
sample size is too small.
11

PART 4 FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS
DATA ANALYSIS TOOLS
The sample data being used is too small and does not comprise of a set pattern. The choice of
customers is random, thereby constituting of direct contact with the customers, interviewing
them so as to collect their views. Two specific data analysis tools are being used which would
enable to provide a concrete structure to the said research- data visualisation tools and
sentiment tools. The former is being used as we need to analyse the interactions happenings
with the customers- first hand data which will not be available via the internet as it would
make cross questioning difficult. Face to face discussion and communication would enable to
procure better information about the same. The latter is being used as when it comes to a
child’s health, parents become sentimental and their reactions are driven by emotions rather
than understandings.
DATA COLLECTION
Six people were selected on a random basis from New Zealand who have kids and use baby
food formulas, NAN by Nestle to feed them. The above mentioned questions were asked to
them and to the surprise of all, the answers were not very contrasting by nature. The names of
the customers were A,B,C,D,E and F and they were asked the preset questions. All of them
have kids between the age group 6 months to two years and they all use Nestle baby food
formula, NAN only. Of them all, A and D have two kids and they had used it for their elder
ones also and had satisfactory facial expressions when asked about the product they use.
They narrated that NAN HA Gold 1 is one of the best product they have used. A, B, D and E
stated that they had best experience with the said product and the other two stated that they
are satisfied but would not mind shifting to another baby formula brand as well basis reviews
from the public.
The next question asked was whether they are aware of the properties and the benefits of
using the Nestle’s baby food formula. C and F said that they were using it because it is the
most widely used and trusted baby formula used by most of the mothers and were not much
interested to intrude into the benefits it has for the babies health. Almost all of them but for
sure were aware of the fact that the said formula was made out of cow’s milk and is designed
specifically to confirm that those babies who are fed the formula based food are able to get
high quality nutrition intake. The said formula is best for the infants right from their birth,
12

thus the best for those babies as well who could not be breastfed (Nestle.com.au. 2018).
Therefore confirming that the mothers did possess the basic knowledge about the product
they are using for their babies, shows that the customers are concerned about their babies and
the food being fed to them.
Till the third question was put forward, the mothers seemed to be quite happy with the
product they were using. However, once asked about the knowledge on nanotechnologies and
the same being used for the production of baby formulas by Nestle, the answer was divided
i.e. half the crowd said they were aware whereas the other half said they were in dark about
this technology. Those who were aware knew that the said technology has a huge number of
applications which comprises of being a part of the food additives as well of which baby
formula is one of the same. A and D who have two kids gave the most positive answer about
it stating that the nanotechnologies hue and cry is basically a methodology to scare the
parents. But unfortunately who were not at all aware of the pros and cons of the said
technology showed a very negative emotion, wherein they even made statements such as “I
will throw away all the boxes of NAN that are there at my home and soon find another baby
food formula best for my baby being produced without the said technology.” Thus it clearly
shows that those aware of nanotechnologies are taking the matter in a more mature manner.
However, the feelings of the customers of New Zealand who fall under the category of those
three mothers who are unaware of the said technology is negative which is to some extent
impacting the company’s reputation as well.
Post the third question, when these customers were made aware of the said issue and their
viewpoints on the same was collected, there was an initial panic amongst the four mothers but
for A and D, may be they have researched the issue and read about it in detail and understood
the issue maturely. The initial emotional outburst after knowing about the needle shape
particle found in the NAN boxes, made them even worry about the health of their kids as they
have been consuming it from long. However, A and D had made it very clear in their
interview that they were aware of the same and have stopped giving it already to their kids,
but that does not deter them being from loyal to Nestle for other products and also the fact
that they would resume using the same after the issues are clarified. Unlike them, the other
four had suddenly become anti-Nestle for the group as a whole.
After the reaction received by the mothers, the next question which immediately hit the mind
was do they actually think a company which is dedicated towards providing a good life to
13

their customers would ever think of endangering the lives of the infants. To this, all the six
had expressed similar views. They believed Nestle would not do something or manufacture
such a product which would be harmful to anyone, but at the same time they also said that
they would wait for the results and the final opinion about the said issue before they start to
reuse it again for their infants and kids. Thus the emotional part of the parents over shadowed
the fact that even though they trust the brand, they would still wait for the skies to clear. This
also answers the last question which was suppose to be asked, i.e. Nestle should be given a
chance to prove itself correct and the world wrong. The users have liked the product so much,
they seem to be unwilling to switch to some other brand and hence would definitely want to
give a chance to them to prove to the world that the truth is not this and that their babies are
safe in their hands as well.
DATA COLLECTED AND THE LITERATURE STATED
On relating the data collected and understanding the data analysis tool i.e. data visualisation
and sentimental, it is understood that although the reviews are mixed about the said issue, yet
not many are aware. Further to this, people have not lost the trust over the age old brand; just
that they are waiting for the food regulators to investigate the issue in depth so that a clearer
view is understood and if any such issue is there, then the company would definitely do
something to eradicate the endangerment.
Most of the people as per the sample data collected, are unaware about nanotechnology and
hence first and foremost a detailed awareness about the same should be narrated. The
nanoparticles that were found in the baby food formula comprised of silicon dioxide and
titanium dioxide. However, hydroxyapatite was also discovered in some of the baby food
formulas which included the one manufactured by Nestle as well, which is rich in calcium but
is not easily soluble, thus difficult to digest for babies.
Further as was said by A and D and even the other mothers as well, they would switch over to
Nestle once they are sure about the news to be false. Various experts have made it clear that
the said nanoparticles in baby food should not be alarming. As per Dr. Ian Musgrave, a senior
lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Adelaide has said that “nanoparticles
have become the latest bogeyman, despite nanoparticles occurring naturally.” As per his
research, milk comprises of calcium and phosphorous and hydroxyapatite is just one of the
types of calcium phosphate. Also the said baby food formulas have been tested on animals
with regards the level of toxicity and the result is negative (Pash, 2017). Thus it is confirmed
14

by him that there exists no scary health related risks on discovering such particles in the baby
food formulas. FoE had taken seven samples, of which they found the said nanoparticles in
three samples and Professor Ian Rae, an advisor to the United Nations Environment Program
on chemicals in the environment has stated the said situation as ‘nano scare.’ The
investigators are simply trying to complex the issue and make it sound grave by continuously
repeating the phrase ‘needle like (Businessday. 2017).’ The food regulators are not recalling
it or are in support of Nestle, simply because these nanoparticles are produced naturally out
of hydroxyapatite which melts very easily with the acids secreted by the digestive system
(Australian Associated Press & Margan,2017).
Hence the theory produced and the review stated makes it clear that the claim made by
FSANZ that there exists no proof that reveal that the formulas create risk to the health of the
babies and young kids is correct due to which they are not recalling the product or stating
stringent regulations (Hardy,2017).
Hence those mothers including the samples collected, ultimately it is there personal views to
feed or not to feed their kids with the said baby food formula. Those mothers such as A and D
who are loyal to Nestle and others too who are pro the baby food formula produced by Nestle
as against the other companies, should chose to adopt a mainstream vision and should agree
to the recommendation presented by FSANZ. Lastly, the mothers should interrogate into the
matter on their own by reading details and materials about this new technology and take a self
wise decision (Louis, 2017).
Lastly, there exists a gap with regards the nano knowledge, due to which some have
demanded for a complete ban and have also panicked the customers on the usage of
nanotechnologies in the food products until and unless the safety and security is
confirmed totally (Nestle, 2015)
15

PART 5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Thus it seems that the entire research was made on the basis of incomplete and inadequate
facts and figures with regards the oral cosmetic products and hence the importance is very
limited with respect to the ‘trace amounts’ of nanoparticles by the name of hydroxyapatite
found in the baby formulas. It is to be construed that safety related problems would be in
relation to the constituent elements and in this case it is calcium and phosphate and both are
very crucial for the positive health benefits, thereby their addition in the baby food formula is
not hazardous.
However, the fact that there still lies no adequate regulation with regards the said
nanotechnologies and the harmful impacts of nanoparticles in some situations calls for an
immediate regulatory requirements before the said being used intensively and extensively in
food processing, packaging and food contact as well. The research is still at its nascent stage
and it is highly recommended that greater degree of research is required to understand the
perils of nanomaterials, specifically concentrating upon the size of the particle, irrespective of
the fact that some of the chemical materials which are larger in size are secure than when
they are in the nano condition.
However, the said panic has also shaken the trust of the customers of the New Zealand, so
much that the super market from where the samples were picked has also to a reputational
loss. Nestle will have to conduct the test more carefully and issue various reports to make
people aware about the said nanoparticles. The company will have to advertise in a manner
which would make people believe that the company still follows its age old slogan. They will
have to mention in more detail the ingredients being used and get itself registered with
FSANZ with regards various regulations in respect of nanotechnologies. Although it is using
the said technology for the good of its customers, yet Nestle should try to produce the product
by some other means which would help it regain the lost trust. Lastly, the lost trust can be
regained by making some changes in their packaging mannerisms which should be anti
nanoparticles and the baby food formula should be adequately tested on animals and each box
should be checked more thoroughly so that such a mishap doesn’t happen again. Free
samples of the product should be distributed and workshops for the would be as well as
mothers of infants should be conducted and they should be made aware of the entire issue and
where the glitches are. Thus awareness and providing proofs about the safety of the product is
the only way the lost trust can be regained.
16

Hence on a concluding note, it is understood that the story line published by FoE is basis a
methodology which is not full proof and pitiable science. It has been repeatedly confirmed by
the researchers and the medicinal scientists that needle like hydroxyapatite doesn’t cause
harm always but at the same time it is not at *all risk free. There may be situations when
some of the users of the baby feed formulas may suffer from some stomach related issues, but
at the same time, the extra miniscule needle shaped nanoparticles can also prove to be an
effective source of dietary calcium.
17

REFERENCES:
Australian Associated Press & Margan,M. (2017). Toxic ‘needle-like’ nanoparticles similar
to ASBESTOS are ‘found in baby-formula’- but regulators refuse to issue an urgent
recall. Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4657982/Baby-
formula-recall-toxic-needle-like-nanoparticles.html
Alfadul,S.M. & Elneshwy, A.A. (2010). Use of nanotechnology in food processing,
packaging and safety review. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and
Development. 10(6). 2719-2739. Retrieved from http://www.bioline.org.br/request?
nd10062
Businessday. (2017). Study finds ‘potentially toxic’ nanoparticles in baby formula sold in
New Zealand. Retrieved from https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/94310914/study-finds-
potentially-toxic-nanoparticles-in-baby-formula-sold-in-new-zealand
Fletcher,N. & Bartholomaeus,A. (2011). Regulation in Nanotechnologies in Food in
Australia and New Zealand. International Food Risk Analysis Journal. 1(2). 33-40.
Retrieved from
file:///C:/Users/E-ZONE/Downloads/InTech_Regulation_of_nanotechnologies_in_foo
d_in_australia_and_new_zealand.pdf
Friends of the Earth. (2016). Nano-particles in Baby formula: Tiny new ingredients are a big
concern. Retrieved from https://1bps6437gg8c169i0y1drtgz-wpengine.netdna-
ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/wpallimport/files/archive/
FOE_NanoBabyFormulaReport_13.pdf
Friends of the Earth. (2017). Illegal and potentially toxic nanoparticles in baby formula.
Retrieved from http://emergingtech.foe.org.au/illegal-and-potentially-toxic-
nanoparticles-found-in-baby-formula/
Hardy,T. (2017). Confusion over warning to recall popular baby formula from shelves.
Retrieved from https://www.mouthsofmums.com.au/confusion-over-warning-to-
recall-popular-baby-formula-from-shelves/#ouE8biEZZ1awC03z.97
Louis,V. (2017). Breaking News: There is No Baby Formula Recall. Here’s What You Need
To Know. Retrieved from https://mumcentral.com.au/baby-formula-recall/
18

Maynard,A. (2016). Nanoparticles in baby formula: should parents be worried? Retrieved
from https://theconversation.com/nanoparticles-in-baby-formula-should-parents-be-
worried-59246
Nestle.com.au. (2018). NAN OPTIPRO HA 1 GOLD. Retrieved from
https://www.nestle.com.au/brands/baby-toddler-nutrition/nan-infant/nan-optipro-ha-1-
gold
Nestle,M. (2015). Food Politics. Retrieved from
https://www.foodpolitics.com/tag/nanotechnology/
Pash,C. (2017). Are ‘needle like’ nanoparticles found in Australia infant formula dangerous?
Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com.au/are-needle-like-nanoparticles-
found-in-australian-infant-formula-dangerous-2017-7
19

APPENDICES:
Appendix 1: Questionnaire
Appendix 2: Interview Transcription
20

Appendix 1: Questionnaire
Question
1
Do you use Nestle baby food formula? If yes, since when
Question
2
What benefits does the baby food formula produced by Nestle have on the health
of the babies?
Question
3
Are you aware of the fact that the baby formulas are manufactured using
nanotechnologies?
Question
4
Nestle baby food NAN HA 1 Gold has been discovered with needle like
nanoparticles which are harmful for the children, what is your opinion on the
same?
Question
5
Do you think Nestle would ever endanger a baby’s life by producing such toxic
baby food formulas?
Question
6
Nanotechnologies is a newer concept, and regulations are yet to be streamlined,
but Nestle being the oldest player in the market would not take such a critical
risk. However, don’t you think the company should be given a chance to prove
itself and clarify the issues?
21

Appendix 2: Interview Transcription
The above questions mentioned in Appendix 1 were asked to six customers and the below
mentioned is the interview results.
Questions
Nos. Customer names
A B C D E F
1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
2
formula is made
out of cow's milk
formula is made out of
cow's milk
Using it because most
of the mothers use it
formula is made out of
cow's milk
formula is made out of
cow's milk
Using it because most
of the mothers use it
3 Yes Yes No Yes No No
4
Were aware of
teh issue and
hence did not
panic Panic Panic
Were aware of teh issue
and hence did not panic Panic Panic
5
No, Nestle would
not endanger
lives of babies
No, Nestle would not
endanger lives of babies
No, Nestle would not
endanger lives of
babies
No, Nestle would not
endanger lives of babies
No, Nestle would not
endanger lives of
babies
No, Nestle would not
endanger lives of
babies
6
Yes, Nestle
should be given a
chance to prove
Yes, Nestle should be
given a chance to prove
Yes, Nestle should be
given a chance to prove
Yes, Nestle should be
given a chance to prove
Yes, Nestle should be
given a chance to
prove
Yes, Nestle should be
given a chance to
prove
22