Baby food firms given 18 months to cut sugar and salt in products
2 days ago
- #baby food regulations
- #childhood obesity
- #public health
- Baby food manufacturers given 18 months to reduce sugar and salt levels.
- New guidelines aim to clarify baby food labeling for parents.
- Sugar limits: under 10g per 100g for desserts/breakfast items; salt limits: 60mg per 100 calories (100mg if cheese included).
- Misleading labels and marketing claims (e.g., 'no nasties') to be addressed.
- High sugar intake linked to UK's high childhood obesity rates (among worst in Western Europe).
- Obesity rates have doubled since the 1990s, costing NHS £11.4bn annually.
- Public health minister highlights confusing labels and pledges a 10-year plan, including junk food bans near schools.
- Obesity Health Alliance calls for stricter enforcement and public support for banning high-sugar baby foods.