Businesses will be challenged to change the recipes for their products to reduce levels of salt and sugar, without the use of sweeteners as these are not permitted for use in commercial baby food. Clearer labelling guidelines will be introduced to help parents understand more easily what food they are buying for their children.
This Labour Government says it is committed to taking a different approach, to ensure it is on the side of parents and children so that babies are given the best start in life.
Obesity costs the NHS £11.4 billion a year and is one of the root causes of diabetes, heart disease and cancer, and obesity rates have doubled since the 1990s – including among children. High sugar intake in children’s diets is a significant factor contributing to high rates of childhood obesity in the UK, which is among the highest in Western Europe.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton said: ”Every child deserves a healthy, happy start to life. But babies’ development is being harmed by poor diets and unhealthy food, holding them back and piling up pressure on the NHS.
“Too often, parents are bombarded with confusing labels, disguising unhealthy foods packed with hidden sugars and salt. Our Plan for Change will tackle this, giving parents the information they need and providing children with good nutritious food.
“I’m determined to make it far easier for parents to keep their children healthy. From working with influencers to get children exercising, to banning junk food ads near schools – our 10 Year Health Plan will help kids today be part of the healthiest generation of children ever.”