By James Myers, OAN Staff
Thursday, August 22, 2024 3:05 PM
Nearly two-thirds of baby foods sold in US supermarkets are unhealthy, according to a new study.
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Researchers at the George Institute for Global Health analyzed 651 baby food items from 10 U.S. grocery chains in 2023. The analyzer compared the nutritional information of these foods with nutritional guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The results showed that approximately 60% of foods did not meet the nutritional standards set by the WHO.
Of all products, 70% do not meet protein needs and 44% exceed the recommended amount of total sugar. Additionally, a quarter of products do not meet calorie needs and a fifth exceed the recommended sodium limit.
“What this study shows is that most of the processed baby foods sold in grocery stores contain highly processed ingredients and high levels of salt, sugar and fat,” said Dr. Ellie Erickson, a pediatrician at Duke University. CBS Morning.
But the products that were most worrisome were convenience-focused items, such as snack foods and pouch foods.
“Snacks and finger foods, such as fruit bars, cereal bars and puffed snacks, will account for approximately 20% of products available in 2023, yet have some of the lowest overall compliance with WHO nutrition and promotion standards,” the authors wrote in the study. “These foods have low protein content and high energy, sodium and sugar content, and often contain added sugars and sweeteners.”
Elizabeth Dunford, a research associate at the George Institute and an adjunct assistant professor at the University of North Carolina, said in a news release that the popularity of processed, convenience foods is of great concern.
“Childhood is a critical period of rapid growth and when taste preferences and eating habits are formed that can lead to future chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and some cancers,” she said. “Time-poor parents are increasingly opting for convenience foods, believing them to be healthier than they actually are, unaware that many of these foods lack key nutrients children need for development.”
While the study did not name any specific brands, Erickson said parents could also go back to baby food basics if they wanted to avoid such products.
“Making food for your baby is convenient, especially the shelf-stable products, but it’s not difficult – just simple whole foods,” she said.
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