Study across seven countries shows an alarming 72 percent of snacks and finger foods marketed at children under three years old contain added sugars and sweeteners.

A new study released on 14 December revealed high sugar and salt content in commercially produced packaged foods marketed for children aged six months to three years in Southeast Asia, as well as widespread use of potentially misleading and deceptive labelling and lack of strict regulations around product composition and sale.

The study, supported by UNICEF and partners of the Consortium for Improving Complementary Foods in Southeast Asia, assessed more than 1,600 infant cereals, purées, pouches, snacks and ready-to-eat meals marketed at young children in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. It also studied consumer behaviours and existing regulations in the seven countries.

The study found that nearly half of the products studied (44 percent) added sugars and sweeteners. When it came to salt content, more than one third of the products studied included more sodium than recommended.

Furthermore, nearly 90 percent of labels on the products studied included potentially misleading or deceptive claims about their composition.

"Far too many of the food products being marketed to the youngest girls and boys are unhealthy and labelled in ways that may deceive parents," said Debora Comini, UNICEF regional director for East Asia and the Pacific. "Children and their parents deserve better."

Commercially produced complementary foods are a common part of the diets of young children in Southeast Asia, with 79 percent of mothers from urban centers reporting they provide these foods to their young children daily. Across Southeast Asia, sales of commercially produced complementary foods have risen by 45 percent in the past five years.

Policies

In terms of regulation, the study noted that none of the seven countries had national policies on the composition and labelling of commercially produced complementary foods which follow all international guidance. Several countries were found to have no legal measures to regulate the sugar or salt content of commercially produced complementary foods. Countries with maximum sugar or salt thresholds often only applied them to certain categories, such as cereals or snack foods, and the thresholds were higher than international standards.

Sugar intake early in life can lead to cavities, weight gain and poor eating habits, while high sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, with impacts that can be lifelong.

Extensive use of claims was also found, with claims about product composition or nutrient content appearing on nearly 90 percent of the products assessed. Common claims appearing on products with high sugar, salt or fat content included "all natural," "good source of vitamins," and "no artificial ingredients." Also, in Cambodia, Philippines and Lao PDR, the majority of products were only labelled in English or non-national languages, limiting the ability of parents to make informed choices to ensure nutritious diets for their children.

"Governments and food producers can, and must, play a stronger role in safeguarding the health of the youngest children," underlined Comini. "Good nutrition in the first years of life helps children