A new study by the George Institute for Global Health has found that a significant portion of baby foods sold in the U.S. may not be as nutritious as they appear. According to the study, 60% of infant and toddler foods do not meet the recommended nutritional standards.
The research, conducted by the Australian-based institute, examined 651 commercial baby food products and compared them to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The results showed that 70% of these products did not meet protein requirements, and 44% exceeded the recommended levels of total sugar.
Elizabeth Dunford, a research fellow at the George Institute and adjunct assistant professor at the University of North Carolina, emphasized that these foods should not form the primary diet for young children but should be used sparingly. “We hope manufacturers will better inform parents about the contents of their products,” Dunford told The Post.
The study criticized baby food manufacturers for “misleading” marketing. Daisy Coyle, another research fellow at the George Institute and dietitian, pointed out that some snack and finger foods claim to be fruit- or vegetable-based, but are largely composed of flour or starches.
Pouches, a popular baby food option, were among the least healthy products evaluated. The researchers found that fruit-based pouches often contain high levels of sugar.
The WHO recommends that baby foods should not have added sugars, including concentrated fruit juice, and should adhere to sodium limits. Products claiming to be high in protein should contain a significant amount of protein, such as from fish, poultry, or meat.
Dunford advised parents to check nutrition labels and ingredient lists when buying baby food. “Look for products lower in sugar and with recognizable ingredients,” she said.
The findings, published in the journal Nutrients, have led Dunford and her team to call for stricter U.S. government regulations on baby and toddler foods. They highlight concerns about the rising childhood obesity epidemic.
In response, lawmakers have introduced the Baby Food Safety Act of 2024, which aims to give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to limit toxic heavy metals in baby food. This legislation comes after reports of contaminants like lead and arsenic in baby foods. Last year, the FDA recalled fruit puree pouches contaminated with lead, which led to dozens of children falling ill.
