Urgent call for baby food and drink guidelines

The Food Foundation is one of 16 organisations to have written to Health Secretary Steve Barclay calling for him to urgently release of the Commercial Baby Food and Drink Guidelines.

There is a growing market of sweetened foods, marketed as suitable for children, with manufacturers adding in unnecessary sugar, syrups and juices, some of which contradicts NHS guidance.

As a result, children are being exposed to too much free sugars, and by the age of 18 months are already reportedly consuming nearly 30g (7tsp) daily - the recommended maximum for an adult.

This over consumption of sugar is linked to weight gain, with one in three children living with overweight or obesity by the time they leave primary school and health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, and tooth decay.