Baby-food manufacturers in the UK now have 18 months to reduce salt and sugar in their products in accordance with new “guidelines” introduced by the government’s initiative.
The UK government has set clear expectations; companies will be “challenged” to reformulate recipes to lower salt and sugar content, specifically without resorting to sweeteners.Moreover, clearer labelling guidelines will be enforced to “help parents understand more easily what food they are buying for their children,” the government stated.
In April, research from the University of Leeds identified that the UK’s baby food market is “awash” with low-quality products where “poor nutrition is masked by misleading names and on-pack messaging.”
The UK government now plans to prohibit manufacturers from making marketing claims that misrepresent the healthiness of their products, including slogans like “contains no nasties,” especially when such products are high in sugar.
Additionally, snacks marketed for infants starting from seven months may contradict governmental advice that suggests children aged six to 12 months should only consume milk between meals.
Currently, over 20% of children aged four to five in England are classified as overweight or living with obesity, according to the UK government. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to weight gain and dental issues in early childhood.
“Babies’ development is being harmed by poor diets and unhealthy food, holding them back and piling up pressure on the NHS,” said UK public minister Ashley Dalton.
“Too often, parents are bombarded with confusing labels, disguising unhealthy foods packed with hidden sugars and salt.”
Campaign organizations have welcomed the guidelines but stress that stronger actions are needed.
Katharine Jenner, director at Obesity Health Alliance, described the initiative as “a baby step in the right direction – but what is really needed is a giant leap.”
She added: “It should not even be possible to sell baby food that goes against official feeding guidance.”
Vicky Sibson, director of First Steps Nutrition Trust, expressed support for the “plans to evaluate industry compliance in 18 months” and emphasized the importance of the government’s commitment to implementing “further measures” should this voluntary approach fail.
Kawther Hashem, head of research and impact at Action on Sugar, labeled the guidelines as “long-overdue.” However, she cautioned that “they must not be the final word,” urging the government to “closely monitor progress and act swiftly if companies fail to change.”
