Home / Health / Half of UK Baby Foods Still Too Sugary
Half of UK Baby Foods Still Too Sugary
21 Aug
Summary
- Over half of branded baby foods breach guidelines.
- A quarter of products exceed two or more rules.
- Voluntary guidelines are failing to protect infants.
A year following the introduction of voluntary industry guidelines, more than half of branded infant foods and snacks sold in UK supermarkets continue to breach regulations. Analysis of 224 products revealed that 58% failed to meet at least one of the nine guidelines, and a quarter breached two or more.
Concerns highlight that 51% of products contained too much sugar, with some deriving over 80% of their calories from it. Additionally, 14 products exceeded recommended salt limits, and nearly 28% displayed misleading labels or marketing. Experts assert that the voluntary approach has proven ineffective.
Paediatricians and health advocates are calling for mandatory nutritional standards and stricter enforcement. They emphasize that these measures are essential to protect infants and young children from the long-term health risks associated with high sugar and salt intake, and to prevent the development of a preference for overly sweet foods.
