Nearly two-thirds of the baby food sold on U.S. grocery store shelves fails to meet nutritional recommendations, according to a new study.
In addition to the lack of nutritious content, researchers claim the products are also deceptive, using imagery to convince parents that the contents are healthy.
“The lack of regulation in this area leaves the door wide open for the food industry to deceive busy parents,” said Dr. Daisy Coyle, research fellow and dietitian at The George Institute, in a press release. “We saw this not only in the use of misleading claims but also in the use of misleading names, where the product name did not reflect the main ingredients found on the ingredient list.”
Working parents are increasingly relying on store-bought products to feed their children.
“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,” said Dr. Elizabeth Dunford, research fellow at The George Institute. “Early childhood is a crucial period of rapid growth and when taste preferences and dietary habits form, potentially paving the way for the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and some cancers later in life.”
Obesity rates are increasing across the country, putting more Americans in danger of serious health conditions and early death. While it has long been understood that carrying excess weight can increase a person’s risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, less commonly known illnesses associated with obesity include certain types of cancer, osteoarthritis, liver and kidney disease, sleep apnea, infertility, and depression.
The New York Post reports on the findings of the new baby food study. Here’s the start of the story:
Jarmageddon?
Sixty percent of infant and toddler foods sold in the US are not as nutritious as they might seem, according to a new study from the George Institute for Global Health.
The Australia-headquartered research group compared data on 651 commercial baby foods to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, finding that 70% failed to meet protein standards and 44% exceeded total sugar requirements.
“The bottom line is, these foods should not make up the bulk of the diet for young children, but instead be used as part of their diet if and when needed,” Elizabeth Dunford, a George Institute research fellow and University of North Carolina adjunct assistant professor, told The Post.
“We just hope manufacturers can work together to better inform parents what is in the foods they are buying,” she added.
Institute researchers blasted baby food manufacturers for “misleading” marketing claims.
“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 George Institute research fellow and dietitian.