Leicestershire nutritionist calls for stricter measures on baby food to reduce child obesity
The government's created a set of guidelines on the level of salt and sugar in food for kids up to three
There are calls for stricter measures on baby food to bring down childhood obesity in the East Midlands, as 1 in 10 children in the region are reported to be obsese when they start school.
Retailers are being urged to rethink the baby food products they stock, as new UK guidelines continue to reshape expectations around nutrition for infants and toddlers.
Introduced by the government’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, the voluntary standards were designed in response to growing concerns about high sugar and salt levels in baby foods, as well as confusing marketing that can make it harder for parents to make informed choices.
The guidance forms part of a wider effort to improve children’s health and tackle rising obesity rates from an early age.
Leicestershire nutritionist Vicky Pennington says not enough stores are following the advice:
"This is the right thing to do to encourage less dominance of sweetness in young people's diets from the very beginning."
- Products aimed at babies under 12 months are expected to contain no added sugar, sweeteners, or salt.
- For children aged one to three, limits are also advised on overall sugar and sodium content, particularly in snack items.
While the standards are not legally enforced, industry experts believe they mark an important shift. Some major retailers have already started to act, removing products that do not meet the new criteria from their shelves.
Vicky Pennington says not enough retailers are following the voluntary advice:
"Everyone has to play their part and I think it's very important that we tackle the issue of child obesity early."
However, specialists say broader adoption across the sector will be key to creating meaningful, lasting change, ensuring that healthier choices become the norm for the youngest consumers.