A new study has found more than three-quarters of baby food products in Australian supermarkets do not meet minimum nutrition standards.
Researchers from the George Institute for Global Health, UNSW and the Cancer Council analysed the nutritional information of 309 products (not including baby formula) for children aged 6-36 months.
The study found none of the products met international label guidelines, and that parents are being misled into thinking “often sugar-loaded products are healthy.”
Baby food
The study compared baby foods sold in Australian supermarkets in 2022 against World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.
These standards include “prohibited claims” which ban phrases like ‘organic’ and ‘no added sugar’ from baby food product labels.
All product labels analysed in the study had “at least one” prohibited claim, with some found to have up to 21 such claims.
The report found this can contribute to a “health halo” effect, where consumers believe they’re making “healthy” choices.
Pouches
Pouches represent more than half of all baby food products available in supermarkets.
Lead author Dr Elizabeth Dunford said these pouches “had the greatest number of prohibited claims at an average of 5.8 per package.”
Dunford warned excess calories consumed in a child’s early years can have lasting health impacts.
“The early introduction of highly sweetened foods drives lifelong taste preferences,” she added.
Australian baby food nutrition
Of the 309 foods tested for the study, 78% failed to meet the WHO’s required nutrient composition. Most failed due to their sugar and calorie content.
Dunford noted that “time-poor parents are looking for convenience,” but said most would be “shocked” by “deceptive marketing tactics… that are rife” across baby and toddler food products.
Research fellow Dr Daisy Coyle said, “the food industry is essentially setting the foundations for unhealthy eating later in life”.
Call to action
While global baby food product standards exist, there are “no such nutrition or promotional guidelines” in Australia. Researchers said the findings prove the industry “urgently requires regulation.”
Coyle called for “a more comprehensive approach to addressing key drivers of chronic disease from infancy. The long-term health of future generations depends on it.”
Public consultation to improve kids’ food products is currently underway in Australia, with Government submissions closing 13 September.
