NEW YORK, Aug 21: A new study by the George Institute for Global Health reveals that 60% of infant and toddler foods sold in the United States may not be as nutritious as they appear. The Australian research group evaluated 651 commercial baby foods against World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and found significant shortcomings in many products.

According to the study, 70% of the baby foods failed to meet WHO protein standards, while 44% exceeded the recommended total sugar limits. Elizabeth Dunford, a research fellow at the George Institute and adjunct assistant professor at the University of North Carolina, highlighted the issue of convenience foods. She noted, “Time-poor parents are increasingly choosing convenience foods, unaware that many of these products lack key nutrients needed for their child’s development and are misled into believing they are healthier than they really are.”

The WHO advises that baby foods should not contain added sugars, including concentrated fruit juice, and recommends limits on sodium. Additionally, products claiming high protein content should meet specific protein requirements, whether from fish, poultry, or meat.

The study found that popular baby food pouches were among the least healthy, with fewer than 7% meeting WHO’s total sugar recommendations. Researchers also criticized manufacturers for “misleading” marketing claims. Daisy Coyle, a George Institute research fellow and dietitian, pointed out that “snack and finger foods often referred to fruit or vegetables in the product name, despite primarily being made of flour or other starches.”

The findings, published Wednesday in the scientific journal Nutrients, underscore the need for stricter US government regulation on infant and toddler foods. The researchers highlighted the growing childhood obesity epidemic as a pressing concern.

In response, US lawmakers have introduced the Baby Food Safety Act of 2024. This proposed legislation would grant the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to limit toxic heavy metals in commercial baby foods. The move follows recent reports of contaminants such as lead and arsenic in baby food products. Last year, the FDA recalled fruit puree pouches after discovering lead contamination, which affected dozens of children.