Up to two-thirds of baby foods sold in US grocery stores are unhealthy, claimed a shocking study which sought to draw urgent attention of parents and policymakers to wide-spread use of misleading claims on packaging of these items.

The study done by the George Institute for Global Health found that a staggering 60 per cent of infant and toddler foods failed to meet nutritional recommendations. None of the foods tested met promotional requirements set by World Health Organization (WHO).&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-the-vital-role-of-pregnancy-scans-ensuring-babys-health-and-well-being-634069">The vital role of pregnancy scans: Ensuring baby's health and well-being</a>

<h2>How the baby food study was done</h2>

The researchers assessed data on 651 infant and toddler food products sold in the top 10 US grocery chains held in the Institute’s FoodSwitch database against global benchmarks.

Out of these, 70 per cent failed to meet protein requirements and 44 per cent exceeded total sugar requirements, said the study published in the journal Nutrients&nbsp;on Wednesday (Aug 21).&nbsp;"A further one in four products did not meet calorie requirements and one in five exceeded recommended sodium limits," the research institute said in a release.

<h2>'Fast food' solutions for babies are a concern</h2>

Researchers brought attention to the concerning rise in popularity of processed convenience foods for infants and young children.

“Early childhood is a crucial period of rapid growth and when taste preferences and dietary habits form, potentially paving the way for the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and some cancers later in life,” said researcher Dr Elizabeth Dunford.

Watch: Choose EVs to boost children's health, says study 
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“Our findings highlight the urgent need for better regulation and guidance in the infant and toddler foods market in the United States - the health of future generations depends on it,” said Dunford.

Busy parents are increasingly choosing such convenience foods, "unaware that many of these products lack key nutrients needed for their child’s development and tricked into believing they are healthier than they really are,” the release quoted Dunford as saying.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/simple-measures-can-prevent-a-million-baby-deaths-a-year-study-590642">Simple measures can prevent a million baby deaths a year: Study</a>

Baby food pouches, which grew in popularity by a whopping 900 per cent in the last 13 years, were also among the unhealthiest products assessed, with fewer than 7 per cent meeting total sugar recommendations.

<h2>Misleading claims in baby foods</h2>

While examining the food packaging, the study found bad marketing practices too. At least one prohibited claim was found in the packaging of 99.4 per cent products.

These claims included ‘non genetically modified’ (70 per cent), ‘organic’ (59 per cent), ‘no BPA’ (37 per cent), and ‘no artificial colours/flavours’ (25 per cent).

Noting that such claims are creating a so-called ‘health halo’ around these products, reseacher Daisy Coyle said, “The lack of regulation in this area leaves the door wide open for the food industry to deceive busy parents.”&nbsp;

In some cases, the names of products were misleading too. “Snack and finger foods often referred to fruit or vegetables in the product name, despite primarily being made of flour or other starches,” Coyle said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Up to two-thirds of baby foods sold in US grocery stores are unhealthy, claimed a shocking study which sought to draw urgent attention of parents and policymakers to wide-spread use of misleading claims on packaging of these items.

Up to two-thirds of baby foods sold in US grocery stores are unhealthy, claimed a shocking study which sought to draw urgent attention of parents and policymakers to wide-spread use of misleading claims on packaging of these items. The study done by the George Institute for Global Health found that a staggering 60 per cent of infant and toddler foods failed to meet nutritional recommendations. None of the foods tested met promotional requirements set by World Health Organization (WHO). Also read: The vital role of pregnancy scans: Ensuring baby's health and well-being How the baby food study was done The researchers assessed data on 651 infant and toddler food products sold in the top 10 US grocery chains held in the Institute’s FoodSwitch database against global benchmarks. Out of these, 70 per cent failed to meet protein requirements and 44 per cent exceeded total sugar requirements, said the study published in the journal Nutrients on Wednesday (Aug 21). "A further one in four products did not meet calorie requirements and one in five exceeded recommended sodium limits," the research institute said in a release. 'Fast food' solutions for babies are a concern Researchers brought attention to the concerning rise in popularity of processed convenience foods for infants and young children. “Early childhood is a crucial period of rapid growth and when taste preferences and dietary habits form, potentially paving the way for the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and some cancers later in life,” said researcher Dr Elizabeth Dunford. Watch: Choose EVs to boost children's health, says study × “Our findings highlight the urgent need for better regulation and guidance in the infant and toddler foods market in the United States - the health of future generations depends on it,” said Dunford. Busy parents are increasingly choosing such convenience foods, "unaware that many of these products lack key nutrients needed for their child’s development and tricked into believing they are healthier than they really are,” the release quoted Dunford as saying. Also read: Simple measures can prevent a million baby deaths a year: Study Baby food pouches, which grew in popularity by a whopping 900 per cent in the last 13 years, were also among the unhealthiest products assessed, with fewer than 7 per cent meeting total sugar recommendations. Misleading claims in baby foods While examining the food packaging, the study found bad marketing practices too. At least one prohibited claim was found in the packaging of 99.4 per cent products. These claims included ‘non genetically modified’ (70 per cent), ‘organic’ (59 per cent), ‘no BPA’ (37 per cent), and ‘no artificial colours/flavours’ (25 per cent). Noting that such claims are creating a so-called ‘health halo’ around these products, reseacher Daisy Coyle said, “The lack of regulation in this area leaves the door wide open for the food industry to deceive busy parents.” In some cases, the names of products were misleading too. “Snack and finger foods often referred to fruit or vegetables in the product name, despite primarily being made of flour or other starches,” Coyle said. (With inputs from agencies)

Shocking study finds 70 per cent of baby foods in US grocery stores are unhealthy

The US Foods and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday proposed draft guidance to reduce the amount of lead in packaged food meant for babies up to two years of age. Launched as part of the agency's 'Closer to Zero' action plan, the guidance seeks to "provide information to industry on the action levels for lead in food intended for babies and young children."

As per the NY Times, the draft guidance would not be mandatory for food manufacturers. However, if adopted, they would help the FDA to take enforcement action against companies that stray from the levels prescribed.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Study finds babies are full of microplastics

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It has recommended no more than 10 parts per billion fruits, vegetables (excluding single-ingredient root vegetables), mixtures (including grain and meat-based mixtures), yoghurts, custards/puddings, and single-ingredient meats. Additionally, for root vegetables and dry infant cereals, the limit has been recommended at 20 parts per billion.

As per FDA, the limits "would result in significant reductions in exposures to lead from food while ensuring availability of nutritious foods".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/some-baby-foods-have-high-levels-of-toxic-heavy-metals-us-report-finds-361533">Some baby foods have high levels of toxic heavy metals, US report finds</a>

FDA estimates that the proposed levels would bring about a 25 per cent reduction in dietary exposure to lead for some young children.

However, not everyone is happy with the guidelines. &nbsp;Quoting Jane Houlihan, research director for the nonprofit Healthy Babies Bright Futures, NY Post says they are disappointing.

"It doesn’t go far enough to protect babies from neurodevelopmental damage from lead exposures," said Houlihan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-johnson-to-stop-selling-its-cancer-causing-talc-based-baby-powder-globally-in-2023-506072">Johnson &amp; Johnson to stop selling its talc-based baby powder globally in 2023 as lawsuits mount</a>

She added "lead is in almost every baby food" her organisation has tested and said that FDA's action levels "will influence almost none of that food."

The Centers for Disease Control, too, has previously said that there is no safe level of lead for children. As per the agency, children below the age of six absorb the contaminant more readily and are at a greater risk. As per CDC, "there is also evidence that childhood exposure to lead can cause long-term harm."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The US Foods and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday proposed draft guidance to reduce the amount of lead in packaged food meant for babies up to two years of age.

The US Foods and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday proposed draft guidance to reduce the amount of lead in packaged food meant for babies up to two years of age. Launched as part of the agency's 'Closer to Zero' action plan, the guidance seeks to "provide information to industry on the action levels for lead in food intended for babies and young children." As per the NY Times, the draft guidance would not be mandatory for food manufacturers. However, if adopted, they would help the FDA to take enforcement action against companies that stray from the levels prescribed. Watch | Gravitas: Study finds babies are full of microplastics It has recommended no more than 10 parts per billion fruits, vegetables (excluding single-ingredient root vegetables), mixtures (including grain and meat-based mixtures), yoghurts, custards/puddings, and single-ingredient meats. Additionally, for root vegetables and dry infant cereals, the limit has been recommended at 20 parts per billion. As per FDA, the limits "would result in significant reductions in exposures to lead from food while ensuring availability of nutritious foods". Also read | Some baby foods have high levels of toxic heavy metals, US report finds FDA estimates that the proposed levels would bring about a 25 per cent reduction in dietary exposure to lead for some young children. However, not everyone is happy with the guidelines. Quoting Jane Houlihan, research director for the nonprofit Healthy Babies Bright Futures, NY Post says they are disappointing. "It doesn’t go far enough to protect babies from neurodevelopmental damage from lead exposures," said Houlihan. Also read | Johnson & Johnson to stop selling its talc-based baby powder globally in 2023 as lawsuits mount She added "lead is in almost every baby food" her organisation has tested and said that FDA's action levels "will influence almost none of that food." The Centers for Disease Control, too, has previously said that there is no safe level of lead for children. As per the agency, children below the age of six absorb the contaminant more readily and are at a greater risk. As per CDC, "there is also evidence that childhood exposure to lead can cause long-term harm." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US FDA 'limits' quantity of disability-causing lead in baby food

The US federal regulators have been ordered to set stricter standards on the food manufacturers after a congressional investigation found high levels of toxic metals in several top baby food brands.

According to the House of Representatives oversight subcommittee report, dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals are in certain baby foods that could cause neurological damage.

The panel examined baby foods made by Nurture Inc, Hain Celestial Group Inc, Beech-Nut Nutrition and Gerber, a unit of Nestle, it said, adding that it was "greatly concerned" that Walmart Inc, Campbell Soup Co and Sprout Organic Foods refused to cooperate with the investigation.

The report said internal company standards "permit dangerously high levels of toxic heavy metals, and documents revealed that the manufacturers have often sold foods that exceeded those levels" and it called on U.S. regulators to set maximum levels of toxic heavy metals permitted in baby foods and require manufacturers to test finished products for heavy metals, not just ingredients.

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat who chairs the panel that released the report, said it found "these manufacturers knowingly sell baby food containing high levels of toxic heavy metals ... It’s time that we develop much better standards for the sake of future generations."

A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) spokesman said it was reviewing the report.

The agency noted toxic elements are present in the environment and enter the food supply through soil, water or air. "Because they cannot be completely removed, our goal is to reduce exposure to toxic elements in foods to the greatest extent feasible," the FDA said.

Campbell said in a statement on its website that its products are safe and cited the lack of a current FDA standard for heavy metals in baby food. The company said it thought it had been "full partners" in the study with congressional researchers.

Walmart said it submitted information to the committee in February 2020 and never received any subsequent inquiries. The retail giant requires private label product suppliers to hew to its internal specifications, "which for baby and toddler food means the levels must meet or fall below the limits established by the FDA."

Hain Celestial, which makes Earth's Best, said it had not seen the report and did not have a chance to review it.

A Gerber representative said the elements in question occur naturally in the soil and water in which crops are grown and added it takes multiple steps "to minimize their presence."

The report was critical also of the administration of former President Donald Trump, saying it "ignored a secret industry presentation to federal regulators revealing increased risks of toxic heavy metals in baby foods."

The report said, "in 100% of the Hain baby foods tested, inorganic arsenic levels were higher in the finished baby food than the company estimated they would be based on individual ingredient testing."

It said that in August 2019 the FDA received a secret slide presentation from Hain that said: "corporate policies to test only ingredients, not final products, underrepresent the levels of toxic heavy metals in baby foods."

The report said the FDA took no new action in response. "To this day, baby foods containing toxic heavy metals bear no label or warning to parents. Manufacturers are free to test only ingredients, or, for the vast majority of baby foods, to conduct no testing at all," the report said.

The FDA has declared that inorganic arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury are dangerous, particularly to infants and children, the report noted.

The FDA in August finalized guidance to industry, setting an action level of 100 parts per billion inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal.

"We acknowledge that there is more work to be done, but the FDA reiterates its strong commitment to continue to reduce consumer exposure to toxic elements and other contaminants from food," the FDA said Thursday.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The US federal regulators have been ordered to set stricter standards on the food manufacturers after a congressional investigation found high levels of toxic metals in several top baby food brands.

The US federal regulators have been ordered to set stricter standards on the food manufacturers after a congressional investigation found high levels of toxic metals in several top baby food brands. According to the House of Representatives oversight subcommittee report, dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals are in certain baby foods that could cause neurological damage. The panel examined baby foods made by Nurture Inc, Hain Celestial Group Inc, Beech-Nut Nutrition and Gerber, a unit of Nestle, it said, adding that it was "greatly concerned" that Walmart Inc, Campbell Soup Co and Sprout Organic Foods refused to cooperate with the investigation. The report said internal company standards "permit dangerously high levels of toxic heavy metals, and documents revealed that the manufacturers have often sold foods that exceeded those levels" and it called on U.S. regulators to set maximum levels of toxic heavy metals permitted in baby foods and require manufacturers to test finished products for heavy metals, not just ingredients. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat who chairs the panel that released the report, said it found "these manufacturers knowingly sell baby food containing high levels of toxic heavy metals ... It’s time that we develop much better standards for the sake of future generations." A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) spokesman said it was reviewing the report. The agency noted toxic elements are present in the environment and enter the food supply through soil, water or air. "Because they cannot be completely removed, our goal is to reduce exposure to toxic elements in foods to the greatest extent feasible," the FDA said. Campbell said in a statement on its website that its products are safe and cited the lack of a current FDA standard for heavy metals in baby food. The company said it thought it had been "full partners" in the study with congressional researchers. Walmart said it submitted information to the committee in February 2020 and never received any subsequent inquiries. The retail giant requires private label product suppliers to hew to its internal specifications, "which for baby and toddler food means the levels must meet or fall below the limits established by the FDA." Hain Celestial, which makes Earth's Best, said it had not seen the report and did not have a chance to review it. A Gerber representative said the elements in question occur naturally in the soil and water in which crops are grown and added it takes multiple steps "to minimize their presence." The report was critical also of the administration of former President Donald Trump, saying it "ignored a secret industry presentation to federal regulators revealing increased risks of toxic heavy metals in baby foods." The report said, "in 100% of the Hain baby foods tested, inorganic arsenic levels were higher in the finished baby food than the company estimated they would be based on individual ingredient testing." It said that in August 2019 the FDA received a secret slide presentation from Hain that said: "corporate policies to test only ingredients, not final products, underrepresent the levels of toxic heavy metals in baby foods." The report said the FDA took no new action in response. "To this day, baby foods containing toxic heavy metals bear no label or warning to parents. Manufacturers are free to test only ingredients, or, for the vast majority of baby foods, to conduct no testing at all," the report said. The FDA has declared that inorganic arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury are dangerous, particularly to infants and children, the report noted. The FDA in August finalized guidance to industry, setting an action level of 100 parts per billion inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal. "We acknowledge that there is more work to be done, but the FDA reiterates its strong commitment to continue to reduce consumer exposure to toxic elements and other contaminants from food," the FDA said Thursday. (With inputs from Reuters)

Some baby foods have high levels of toxic heavy metals, US report finds

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