Calls for stronger guidance on outdated “unhealthy” baby food

Just over six months since new guidelines aimed at improving the nutritional balance of food designed for babies and toddlers were announced by the UK government, Nutrition Specialist Vicky Pennington says retailers should consider reviewing their baby food offering to help parents make healthier choices.

It follows concerns raised about levels of sugar, salt and sweetness profiles and how baby food pouches and other convenience products are marketed to parents. These concerns led the Government’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) to introduce voluntary guidelines aimed at improving the nutritional profile and clarity of foods designed for babies and toddlers up to the age of three. The measures form part of a broader national strategy to improve childhood health and tackle rising rates of obesity.

Key elements of the guidance included potential changes to product labelling and feeding advice, such as:

• For babies under 12 months, the new standards mandate no added sugar, sweetening ingredients or added salt in baby foods or finger foods. There are also limits on total sugar and/or fruit, and sodium content in snacks for children aged 12 months to three years
• Updating age positioning for early weaning foods from 4–6 months to 6 months+, supporting recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life
• Clearer advice encouraging parents to feed pouch products from a spoon rather than directly from the pouch, supporting oral development and mindful feeding
• Simpler and clearer product naming, helping parents better understand what they are buying

Aston spoke to Vicky Pennington, nutrition specialist from Boots.