Too much sugar in the children’s aisles? This is the conclusion of a study published on Thursday 19 October by the Consumption, Housing and Living Environment association (CLCV).
Although many products sold in large retailers contain the words “reduced sugar content”, “no added sugar”, “particularly suitable for the needs of children”, “expressly for children” which help to reassure parents, the reality is completely different. In fact, this is the case for 80% of the products studied by the association. But 30% of them contain ingredients such as sugar and honey and 38% additives.
Additives are present in 94% of dairy products
To carry out its investigation, the association analyzed 207 products: cereal preparations, dairy products, fruit and vegetables and even sweets. “We couldn’t be exhaustive, but we made sure to take some votes for each family distributors, large national brands, organic and non-organic products, sold in hypermarkets or organic food shops”specified at World Lisa Fauletscientific and food manager of the CLCV.
The association then analyzed the ingredient lists, nutritional tables, information and directions on the packaging. And the result is alarming: additives are present in a third of the products studied, in particular in 94% of the dairy products analyzed.
According to the association, these figures are not surprising: the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding infant formula are not followed. Eight out of ten products carry “health” claims, such as “good for children”, or other regulated but little understood claims, such as “no added sugar” or “reduced sugar”, even if they do not comply with regulations of the WHO.
Read also: Why it is never a good idea to force a child to finish his plate (even if it is delicious)
But the CLCV denounces rules that are too permissive: “ It is necessary to strengthen European regulations on the nutritional composition of infant products, which are too permissive. It must establish maximum levels of sugar, fat and salt, based on WHO recommendations. The CLCV believes that consideration should be given to establishing a clear and easily readable nutrition label on children’s products. », we read in a statement published on their website.
WHO herself recommends the establishment of stricter rules to regulate baby food: setting maximum levels of salt and sugar based on product families, but also banning sweetening ingredients and limiting flavourings.
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Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
