📢Sharing our new policy report on #UltraProcessedFoods in the diets of 👶👦👧 in the UK. Concerningly we find that #UPFs exist in all commercial baby & toddler food categories & among foods targeted at pre-schoolers. See firststepsnutrition.org/childrens-food… #BabyFood #ChildHealth #Nutrition
🥣 In particular a large proportion of commercial 'finger foods' (i.e. snacks) & baby cereals are #UPF. The true extent of ultra-processing of the foods marketed for 👶👦👧is probably underestimated as we rely on ingredient markers on product labels
🍽️📊 By 2-5 years of age, UK children get 61% of their total energy from #UPFs 😱 More than their counterparts in the US & Australia! 🌍 (A smaller study among 21 month olds gives a similarly concerning estimate of 47%)📷
📚⚠️ The evidence is clear: #UPF-rich diets are linked to ill-health, incl obesity, from infancy to adulthood. It is likely that there are a range of overlapping mechanisms – it’s NOT simply that they’re more likely to be high in fat, salt, & sugar #HFSS
The unregulated & misleading marketing tactics used by the baby food industry are a clear driver of the high levels of #UPF consumption among babies & young children
Despite overwhelming evidence on the health & environmental risks of diets rich in #UPFs, the UK lacks a clear stance on food processing. 😔 Furthermore, efforts to reduce high fat, salt, & sugar food #HFSS consumption inadvertently promote UPFs
🌍📢 Over 10 countries have updated their dietary guidance to combat #UPF consumption. Brazil, Mexico, Israel & France now include specific recommendations to reduce UPF intakes among young children. In our opinion the UK Government needs to catch up!
High #UPF intakes should be tackled by Government as part of a food policy addressing poverty & inequalities. But #EarlyYears actions are also needed to improve the food environment for parents/carers & their babies & young children. See our 7 recommendations here:
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