A new study has found that the majority of baby foods sold in U.S. grocery stores are unhealthy, with 60% failing to meet basic nutritional guidelines.
Even more concerning, none of the products meet the promotional standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This research, published in the journal Nutrients, highlights the urgent need for better regulation of infant and toddler foods in the United States.
Researchers from The George Institute for Global Health analyzed 651 baby food products sold in the top ten U.S. grocery chains.
They compared these products to international standards since the U.S. lacks specific nutritional or promotional guidelines for infant and toddler foods.
The results were alarming: 70% of the products did not meet protein requirements, 44% contained too much sugar, and one in four did not meet calorie standards.
Additionally, one in five products exceeded the recommended limits for sodium.
Dr. Elizabeth Dunford, a Research Fellow at The George Institute and an adjunct assistant professor at the University of North Carolina, expressed concern about the growing popularity of processed convenience foods for young children.
“Early childhood is a critical time for growth and development,” she said.
“During this period, children’s taste preferences and eating habits are formed, which can impact their health later in life, including the risk of obesity, diabetes, and some cancers.”
The study found that baby food pouches, which have seen a 900% increase in sales over the past 13 years, are among the least healthy options. Only 7% of these pouches met the recommended sugar guidelines.
The research also uncovered widespread misleading marketing practices, with almost all products (99.4%) featuring at least one prohibited claim on their packaging.
Common claims included “non-genetically modified (GM)” (70%), “organic” (59%), “no BPA” (37%), and “no artificial colors/flavors” (25%).
Dr. Daisy Coyle, a Research Fellow and dietitian at The George Institute, warned that these claims create a “health halo” around products, misleading busy parents into thinking they are healthier than they actually are.
She noted that many products are named after fruits or vegetables, even though they are primarily made of flour or other starches.
The study also highlighted the growing problem of childhood obesity in the U.S. Since the 1970s, obesity rates among children aged two to five have more than doubled, with about 13% of preschool children now living with obesity. This issue has only worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Reducing childhood obesity was once a priority, but it seems to have been overlooked in recent years,” Dr. Dunford added.
“Our findings show that there is an urgent need for better regulation and guidelines in the infant and toddler food market in the U.S. The health of future generations depends on it.”
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