Baby food manufacturers will be given 18 months to reduce sugar and salt content amidst new voluntary guidelines aimed at helping parents shop for healthier foods.
Today, the government published new guidelines for commercial baby foods, along with clearer labelling to help parents make informed decisions.
Businesses will be challenged to change the recipes for their products to reduce levels of salt and sugar, without the use of sweeteners – as these are not permitted for use in commercial baby food. Clearer labelling guidelines will be introduced to help parents understand more easily what food they are buying for their children.
Baby food manufacturers will be given 18 months to reduce sugar and salt levels in baby foods aimed at children up to 36 months old.
The British Dental Association (BDA) said while the guidelines are progress, they do not go far enough in encouraging manufacturers to change sugar levels.
The professional body recently undertook the largest market scan of baby food pouches, analysing 209 products. They found that one quarter contained more sugar by volume than Coca Cola. The BDA pointed to the effectiveness of the sugar tax, which has changed the landscape of soft drinks – reducing their sugar levels by 46% since its launch in 2018.
Baby food guidelines need to go ‘further and faster’
BDA chair Eddie Crouch said: ‘There’s progress here but industry will continue to play fast and loose with voluntary guidelines.
‘It’s not enough to challenge manufacturers to reduce sugar levels, we need to force their hand. Ministers can help prevent tooth decay and obesity among our children, but they have to go further and faster.’
Public health minister Ashley Dalton said: ’Every child deserves a healthy, happy start to life. But babies’ development is being harmed by poor diets and unhealthy food, holding them back and piling up pressure on the NHS.
‘Too often, parents are bombarded with confusing labels, disguising unhealthy foods packed with hidden sugars and salt.
‘Our Plan for Change will tackle this, giving parents the information they need and providing children with good nutritious food.
‘I’m determined to make it far easier for parents to keep their children healthy. From working with influencers to get children exercising, to banning junk food ads near schools – our 10 Year Health Plan will help kids today be part of the healthiest generation of children ever.’
Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.
