- A new study has found that 60% of baby foods do not meet nutritional recommendations set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Many foods were low in protein but high in sugar and sodium.
- Good nutrition is essential to a child’s health and development, which is why experts advise reading baby food labels carefully.
- Health claims can be verified with organizations such as the Baby Food Council (BFC) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).
Although many people assume that baby food is healthy and nutritionally balanced, that may not be the case, according to a new study published Aug. 21 in the journal Nutrients.
Researchers found that 60% of foods marketed to babies and toddlers did not meet the nutritional requirements set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This finding is important given the vital role that good nutrition plays in a child’s growth and development.
WHO states that
Currently, the United States has no laws requiring baby food manufacturers to follow WHO recommendations, the authors of the new study noted.
Additionally, its regulatory process has not kept pace with the large number of new baby food products that have entered the market.
The aim of this research was to determine how well U.S.-based companies are meeting nutritional standards in the absence of regulation.
The team collected data on 669 different baby and toddler foods that were available at the time of the study in 2023.
The researchers selected a variety of baby foods sold at major grocery store chains in the United States by visiting one store of each in the Raleigh, North Carolina, area. The grocery stores the researchers visited included:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Costco
- Delhaize
- Publix
- Sam’s Club
- Target
- Aldi stores
They also collected data from HEB and Safeway websites.
The information collected included the manufacturer’s name, brand name, product description, ingredients, nutritional information per 100 gram serving and any health claims made on the packaging.
Their analysis, however, did not include infant formula, fortified milks, oral electrolytes or foods that are not specifically available in each store’s baby food section.
Foods were divided into eight categories, according to the WHO Nutrient Profile and Promotion Model (NPPM). Within these categories, they were further divided into subcategories.
Each food was then compared to the NPPM standards for its category to determine if its nutritional composition met expectations.
Finally, the team reviewed all claims made by product manufacturers, deeming those related to allergens, religion or vegetarianism/veganism to be permitted while all others were considered prohibited.
When looking at individual macronutrients, the researchers found that only about 30% of all products met the WHO’s recommendations for protein.
Additionally, only 56% of respondents followed the organization’s recommendations regarding sugar. In contrast, 93% met its recommendations regarding fat content.
They also found that about 25% of the products did not meet caloric requirements and contained free sugar and added sweeteners.
Additionally, about 1 in 5 foods contained sodium above the recommended limit.
According to the WHO, about 60% of foods for babies and young children are not labeled with age recommendations, which should be expressed in months and years. Instead, many foods use words or phrases like “toddler” or “crawling baby.”
The study authors also reported that on average, products each made nearly five health and nutrient claims.
Additionally, many of these health claims fell into categories that the WHO did not allow, such as “organic” or “no preservatives.”
Steve Gendron, Ph.D., an immunology and endocrinology specialist and founder of Mindful Living Choice, said it’s important to read baby food labels. Gendron was not involved in the study.
He advised favoring foods with recognizable ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables and grains. He advised against foods with added sugar, salt and artificial preservatives.
Gendron suggests monitoring the amount of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals in foods. “These are essential for your baby’s growth and development,” he told Healthline.
Additionally, you’ll want to watch the product’s iron content. “Babies need iron for brain development, so choose iron-fortified foods, especially if your baby is primarily breastfed,” he said.
Gendron also noted that you’ll want to make sure the label clearly states whether the food contains common allergens such as nuts, dairy or gluten.
When it comes to portion sizes, it’s important to make sure the size is appropriate for your baby’s age and needs. “Too large portions can lead to overfeeding or waste,” he warned.
“By keeping these tips in mind, parents can make informed choices that support their baby’s health and development,” Gendron said.
When it comes to health claims, James Hook of Neurogan Health, also not involved in the study, told Healthline that food labels can sometimes contain information that seems too good to be true.
“In this case, it is necessary to check whether the product has been certified by bodies that regulate the manufacture and distribution of food,” he explained.
Among these organizations are the Baby Food Council (BFC) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), Hook said.
“If the food product has several of these certifications, it shows that it is safe and nutritious for your baby,” concludes Hook.
According to a new study, 60% of baby and toddler foods in the United States do not meet the World Health Organization’s nutritional guidelines.
The United States currently has no laws requiring it to meet WHO nutritional standards.
Parents should read labels carefully to ensure foods are nutritionally adequate and appropriate for their child.
Look for real ingredients, without added sugar, sodium or artificial preservatives. They should also contain enough protein, vitamins and minerals.
If the baby food you buy makes certain health claims, it’s a good idea to use an organization like the BFC or NSF to verify them.
