MANILA, Philippines — Nothing tastes better than freshly prepared food for families, especially children who have big appetites, are always hungry, and need food to snack on.
We may contain potentially harmful substances or have too much salt and sugar content far beyond our daily limits, which may affect our health as adults. We strive to protect children from commercially available foods that may be harmful to them. But they are everywhere, and some even make misleading claims that make parents think they are actually good for their children. However, a recent study across seven Southeast Asian countries showed that an astonishing 72% of snacks and finger foods marketed to children under 3 have added sugar or sweeteners. Masu.
This new study, published on December 14, 2023, finds that commercially available packaged foods sold to children aged 6 months to 3 years in Southeast Asia are high in sugar and salt, as well as misconceptions. It has become clear that there is widespread use of deceptive representations and representations that can lead to Strict regulations regarding product composition and sale.
The study, supported by UNICEF and partners from the Southeast Asia Complementary Foods Improvement Consortium (COMMIT), evaluated more than 1,600 infant cereals, purees, pouches, snacks and ready-to-eat foods marketed to young children in Cambodia. Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos or Lao People's Democratic Republic), Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. We also looked at consumer behavior and existing regulations in seven countries.
The study found that nearly half (44%) of the products surveyed had added sugar and sweeteners. For snacks and finger foods, this percentage rose to 72%. When it comes to salt, more than a third of the products surveyed contained more sodium than recommended. Furthermore, nearly 90% of product labels surveyed contain misleading or deceptive claims regarding their composition.
“Many of the foods marketed to the youngest girls and boys are unhealthy and labeled in ways that mislead parents. Children and their parents deserve better.” Deborah Comini, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, said:
Commercially produced complementary foods are a common part of infant diets in Southeast Asia, with 79% of urban mothers reporting feeding their infants these foods daily. Across Southeast Asia, sales of commercially available complementary foods have increased by 45% over the past five years.
From a regulatory perspective, the study notes that none of the seven countries has a national policy that follows all international guidance regarding the composition and labeling of commercially produced complementary foods. . In some countries, it has been found that there are no legal measures regulating the sugar and salt content of commercially produced complementary foods. Countries that set sugar and salt limits often apply them only to specific categories, such as cereals and snack foods, and their limits are higher than international standards. Sugar intake early in life can lead to tooth decay, weight gain, and poor eating habits, while high sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, the effects of which can be lifelong.
The study also revealed the widespread use of product composition and nutritional claims, with nearly 90% of the products evaluated appearing on them. Common claims you'll see on products high in sugar, salt, and fat include “all natural,” “quality source of vitamins,” and “no artificial ingredients.” Additionally, in Cambodia, the Philippines, and Laos, most products are only labeled in English or a language other than the national language, allowing parents to make informed choices to ensure nutritious meals for their children. limited ability to do so.
“Governments and food producers can and must play a stronger role in protecting the health of our youngest children,” Comini stressed. “Adequate nutrition during the first few years of life supports child growth and promotes prosperous families, a productive workforce, and a strong economy. It increases weight, obesity and disease risk, ultimately taking a huge toll not only on children and their families, but also on health systems and economies.”
UNICEF and COMMIT partners are seeking:
- Improved government regulation of commercially produced complementary foods, including bans on added sugars and sweeteners, limits on sugar and sodium content, and prohibitions on misleading marketing and labeling.
- Strict government oversight and enforcement of national regulations on commercially produced complementary foods
- Help parents provide their youngest children with a variety of nutritious foods and avoid deceptive marketing and labeling practices.
COMMIT is a collaborative initiative of the Access to Nutrition Initiative. Lively and flourish. Helen Keller International. JB Consulting; School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds; UNICEF Regional Office for East Asia and the Pacific; and World Food Program Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.
