British dentists against excess sugar in baby compotes

The 'obscene levels' of sugar in baby food sachets show the need for rapid action in the food and drink sector for young children.

This is the latest verdict from the British Dental Association BDA following new research into the sugar content of baby food sachets.

Although claims of 'no added sugar' are widely available, dentists emphasize that there is little or no difference between added sugar and natural sugar when it comes to oral health.

False language

The results of the analysis of 109 sachets intended for children under 12 months show that:

– More than a quarter contained more sugar in volume than Coca Cola. Parents of infants as young as four months are offered sachets which contain the equivalent of 150% of the sugar level of the soft drink. All pouches are fruit-based blends

– "Boutique" brands appear to have higher sugar levels than traditional baby food brands or own-label alternatives.

– Some products reviewed for children over four months contain up to two-thirds of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of sugar for an adult.

– UK recommendations United and the WHO recommend weaning from six months. No product should therefore be able to be marketed under the label "4 months and over". Nearly 40% of the products reviewed were marketed to this age group.

– The industry uses misleading language, for example, "natural sugars" or no "added sugars." Terms such as "organic", "high in fiber" or "containing 1 of 5 calories per day" were also used.

– More than two thirds of the products examined exceeded the threshold of 5 g of sugar per 100 ml set on the sugar content applied to drinks.

Further from the truth

Nor the World Health Organization (WHO ), nor the UK government's Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) cite RDAs for children. Instead, they emphasize consuming as little as possible.

Eddie Crouch, president of the BDA, said:

" Dishonest marketers make parents feel like they are making a healthy choice with these sachets. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"Claims of "no added sugar" make no sense when moms and dads end up givingr the lion's share of a can of Coke to their children."

"Tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions among young children, and sugar is at the origin of this epidemic. These products unfortunately risk hooking the next generation before they can even walk."

"Ministers must break the UK's dependency. They need to ensure that sugar becomes the new tobacco, especially when it comes to our youngest patients."