The U.S. baby food market is flooded with products that fail to meet nutritional standards, often containing excessive sugar, salt, and misleading claims, according to a new study published in the journal *Nutrients*. The study examined 651 baby and toddler foods from 10 major U.S. supermarkets and found that 60% did not comply with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) nutritional guidelines for infants and toddlers. Many products had high sugar content, hidden sweeteners, and excessive salt levels, contributing to poor dietary habits early in life.
One of the major culprits identified was baby food pouches, which have seen a 900% sales increase in the U.S. over the past 13 years. These pouches are often high in sugar and are not ideal for teaching babies to chew and experience different textures, according to pediatric experts. Misleading advertising is also prevalent, with 99.4% of products making unregulated health claims, such as “organic” or “no artificial colors,” which can mislead parents into thinking the food is healthier than it actually is.
Some baby foods have misleading labeling.
The study highlights the urgent need for better regulation and transparency in the baby food market to protect infant health and guide parents in making informed choices.
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