Baby food: dentists lament lack of mandatory guidelines on sugar
Progress is impossible without mandatory action to rein in the industry.
The British Dental Association (BDA) has responded to the publication of new guidelines for commercial baby foods, warning that real progress is impossible without mandatory action to rein in the industry.
It is understood that manufacturers will simply be encouraged to reduce sugar and salt levels in commercial baby foods. Health claims such as ‘no added sugar’ will still be permitted, with the BDA saying even this claim can mask products with excessive sugar levels.
The professional body recently undertook the largest market scan of baby food pouches ever undertaken, examining 209 products, of which a quarter contained more sugar by volume than Coca Cola.
Tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions among young children.
The BDA has to the effectiveness of the Sugar Levy, which has encouraged the reformulation of soft drinks by offering a clear commercial incentive; reducing sugar levels in soft drinks by 46% since its launch in 2018.
Eddie Crouch, chair of the BDA, said: “There’s progress here but industry will continue to play fast and loose with voluntary guidelines. It’s not enough to challenge manufacturers to reduce sugar levels, we need to force their hand. Ministers can help prevent tooth decay and obesity among our children, but they have to go further and faster.”