LONDON — Reckitt Benckiser, which earlier this year announced plans to acquire the Mead Johnson Nutrition Co. for $17.9 billion, is considering a sale of its food business to help pay down debt.

RB, the business formerly known as . Reckitt Benckiser, also has an image problem. The company produces countless health and hygiene brands from tummy settlers to condoms to cleaning fluids.

“The acquisition of Mead Johnson is a significant step forward in R.B.’s journey as a leader in consumer health,” said Rakesh Kapoor, chief executive officer of Reckitt Benckiser.

Reckitt Benckiser, the maker of Cillit Bang, Dettol, Gaviscon and Nurofen, has announced that it will spin-off its one-drug pharmaceutical business into a separate UK stock listing. Reckitt’s ...

Reckitt Benckiser and startups such as ByHeart and Bobbie are picking up customers but market-share gains could be tough to keep. Brands with smaller market positions have picked up customers, ...