‘Emergent’ study: 60% of baby foods sold in the US are unhealthy

Armageddon?

Sixty percent of baby and toddler foods sold in the U.S. aren’t as nutritious as they may seem, according to a new study from the George Institute for Global Health.

The Australia-based research group compared data on 651 commercial baby foods to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, finding that 70% did not meet protein standards and 44% exceeded total sugar requirements.

“Time-poor parents are increasingly opting for convenience foods, unaware that many of these products lack key nutrients needed for their child’s development and are tricked into believing they are healthier than they are really,” said Elizabeth Dunford, a George Institute researcher and University of North Carolina assistant professor.

WHO does not want baby foods to have added sugars, including concentrated fruit juice, and supports sodium limits. Products that list a protein on the front of the package must contain a certain amount of that protein, be it fish, poultry or meat.

While popular, the pouches were among the unhealthiest products the George Institute assessed, with less than 7% meeting the WHO’s overall sugar recommendations.

Institute researchers also criticized baby food manufacturers for “misleading” marketing claims.

“For example, snacks and finger foods often refer to fruit or vegetables in the product name, despite being primarily made from flour or other starches,” said Daisy Coyle, a researcher and dietitian at the George Institute.

The researchers, whose findings were published Wednesday in the scientific journal Nutrients, are calling “urgently” for more US government regulation of infant and toddler foods. They noted our growing epidemic of childhood obesity.

US lawmakers recently introduced the Children’s Food Safety Act of 2024, which would empower the Food and Drug Administration to limit toxic heavy metals in commercial baby food.

The legislation follows several reports of contaminants such as lead and arsenic entering food products for infants and young children. The FDA recalled pouches of fruit puree last year after it was found to be contaminated with lead, sickening dozens of children.