Most baby foods do not meet nutritional recommendations and make ‘misleading claims’

Up to 60% of baby food Marketed products may not meet nutritional standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), according to a new study.

The results were published in the journal Nutrients last week.

Researchers from the George Institute for Global Health, an independent organization medical research The Australia-based institute examined 651 infant and toddler food products sold in the 10 largest U.S. grocery chains, according to a news release.

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Seventy percent of the products did not contain enough protein, 25% did not meet caloric needs and 20% had sodium levels above WHO recommendations.

The researchers compared the food data to the WHO Nutrient Profile and Promotion Model (NPPM), which supports the “appropriate promotion of food products” for Infants and young children in Europe.

Up to 60% of baby food on the market may not meet nutritional standards set by the World Health Organization, a new study has found. (iStock)

Baby food “pouches” were ranked among the least healthy choices, with less than 7% meeting total sugar recommendations, the institute noted.

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Infant formula was not included in the study because it is regulated separately by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the researchers noted.

“Only products available in the baby food section of the grocery store “This means that yogurts located in the refrigerator section, beverage section, or under the ‘dairy, eggs & refrigerator’ tab online were not included,” they wrote.

Ready-to-eat foods are considered the culprits

Dr. Elizabeth Dunford, a researcher at the George Institute and assistant professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina, said she is concerned about the prevalence of “processed, ready-to-eat foods” for older adults. babies and toddlers.

Baby food pouches were ranked as the unhealthiest options among those examined. (iStock)

“Early childhood is a crucial period of rapid growth, when taste preferences and eating habits are formed, potentially setting the stage for the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and some cancers later in life,” Dunford said in the statement.

“Time-poor parents are increasingly choosing ready-to-eat foods, not realizing that many of these products lack the essential nutrients needed for their child’s development and are being led to believe they are healthier than they actually are.”

A “halo of health”

The study also highlighted “deceptive marketing practices”, saying that more than 99% of baby food products contained at least one “prohibited claim” on the packaging.

“We found that all but four products had at least one prohibited claim on the package, with an average of four prohibited claims per package,” Dr. Daisy Coyle, a researcher and dietitian at the George Institute, told Fox News Digital.

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“These claims often give products a ‘health halo,’ misleading busy parents into believing they are much healthier than they are.”

Some of the most commonly cited misleading terms include “non-genetically modified (GM),” “organic,” “BPA-free,” and “no artificial colors or flavors.”

“These numbers are really alarming when you consider that we are talking about infant and toddler foods,” one nutritionist told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

“We saw this not only in the use of misleading claims, but also in the use of misleading names, where the product name did not reflect the key ingredients listed in the ingredient list.”

Some products claimed to be “fruits” or “vegetables” even though these were not the main ingredients, for example.

Among U.S. children ages 2 to 5, the prevalence of obesity was 12.7% between 2017 and March 2020.

“Our findings underscore the urgent need for better regulation and guidance in the U.S. infant and young child food market – the health of future generations depends on it,” Dunford added.

Among American children ages 2 to 5, the prevalence of obesity was 12.7% from 2017 to March 2020, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Based on the study results, researchers advised parents and caregivers to pay close attention to claims on baby food packaging. (iStock)

Based on the study results, researchers advised parents and caregivers to pay close attention to claims on baby food packaging.

“The ingredient list and nutrition label give a much more accurate representation of what’s in the product,” Coyle said. “One important thing to look out for is the amount of added sugar.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the American Academy of Pediatrics, major baby food manufacturers and the WHO for comment.

“Critical problem”

Katie Thomson, an Oregon-based registered dietitian and founder of the Square Baby nutrition system, was not involved in the study but said it highlights a “critical problem.”

“These numbers are really alarming when you consider that we’re talking about foods intended for infants and toddlers,” she told Fox News Digital.

“Time-poor parents are increasingly choosing ready-to-eat foods, not realizing that many of these products lack nutrients essential for their child’s development,” warns a nutritionist. (iStock)

“The main problem is that many of these products, especially the sachets, are far too sweet to provide adequate and balanced nutrition. This not only fails to meet the child’s nutritional needs, but also hinders the development of the palate.”

“We are basically preparing them for a life of poverty. eating habits” . “

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As a mother, Thomson said, she understands the appeal of convenient self-feeding options like pouches – but warned that the approach is “ultimately detrimental to children’s long-term health.” health and eating habits” . “

Protein deficiency is the most glaring problem, according to Thomson: “It’s fundamental to everything from muscle development to immune function in growing bodies.”

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“Many of these foods also lack healthy fats, which are essential for brain development, and important micronutrients like calcium, iron and vitamin D,” she said.

“There is also a notable absence of these rich nutrients green and earthy vegetables” . “

Researchers examined 651 infant and toddler food products sold at the 10 largest U.S. grocery chains. (iStock)

Another often overlooked aspect, Thomson noted, is the lack of inclusion of common allergens.

“Early introduction of allergens, such as peanuts, eggs and dairy, can really help prevent the development of food allergies,” she said.

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“However, many baby food products lack these important components, which can create a range of health problems later in life.”

When choosing baby nutritionThomson recommends offering a diverse range of foods, flavours, textures and colours, with a balance of fat, fibre and protein, while keeping sugar content low.

Infant formula was not included in the study because it is regulated separately by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the researchers noted. (iStock)

She recommends the following breakdown for a balanced 4-ounce meal.

• Less than 6 grams of sugar
• 2 to 4 grams of fat
• 2 to 4 grams of fiber
• 2 to 5 grams of protein

Potential limitations

The George Institute for Global Health, which has previously received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Health and Medical Research Council and other investors, said it had not received any external funding for this specific study.

The researchers acknowledged that the study had some limitations.

“Although we analyzed data from a large, representative dataset, we were unable to correlate it with sales data for each product,” Coyle told Fox News Digital.

“Further research is needed to understand whether American families are more likely to purchase products that do not meet WHO requirements,” the researchers said. (iStock)

“Further research is needed to understand whether American families are more likely to purchase products that do not meet WHO requirements.”

Another limitation was that the WHO NPPM was developed for the European region.

So it’s not “necessarily 100% applicable in the United States.” infant and toddler food “The market,” the researchers said in their conclusions.

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Parents and guardians are not to blame, the researchers stress.

Coyle of the George Institute told Fox News Digital that “government regulation” was needed “to transform this industry to ensure that infant and toddler foods are safe and marketed appropriately.”

She added: “The health of our young generation and future generations depends on it.”