Nearly two-thirds of baby foods sold in U.S. are unhealthy: Study

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Around 60% of baby foods sold in U.S. supermarkets contain unhealthy ingredients.

Researchers at the George Institute for Global Health looked at 651 baby foods sold in the top 10 grocery chains across the U.S. and found many failed to meet the World Health Organization’s nutritional and advertising guidelines.

Around 60% of infant and toddler foods failed to meet nutritional recommendations, and none met promotional requirements set out by WHO, according to research from the Australia-based medical group.

The study’s findings, published in the scientific journal Nutrients, also noted that 70% of the products failed to meet protein standards and 44% exceeded total sugar recommendations.

“Time-poor parents are increasingly choosing convenience foods, unaware that many of these products lack key nutrients needed for their child’s development and tricked into believing they are healthier than they really are,” Dr. Elizabeth Dunford, research fellow at The George Institute, said in a press release.

The study said with baby food pouches being the fastest growing products marketed for toddlers, it’s particularly concerning that they were among the unhealthiest products, with fewer than 7% meeting total sugar recommendations.

The study singled out baby food manufacturers for “misleading” marketing practices that it claimed the industry exploits due to a lack of regulation.

“For example, snack and finger foods often referred to fruit or vegetables in the product name, despite primarily being made of flour or other starches,” said Daisy Coyle, a research fellow and dietitian at the George Institute.

The WHO’s nutritional standards for infants do not permit flavoured or sweetened drinks to be advertised as baby food. It also warns against the addition of sugar to foods for infants and young children.

Though the study does not name specific brands, researchers urge the U.S. government to better regulate foods being marketed to infants and toddlers.

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