After analyzing 109 brands of compotes for children, the British Dental Association (BDA) published a report to denounce “obscene levels of sugar”which endanger the teeth and health of children.
Compotes sweeter than Coke
Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in young children. And for good reason ! Parents give foods that are too high in sugars to their children.
In June, we mentioned the phenomenon of “baby Cokes”: many young children have oral health problems linked to the consumption of drinks that are too sweet, directly from bottles.
Read also: Baby-Coke: focus on a major infant health problem in France
In the United Kingdom, it is now fruit compotes for children that the BDA (the association of British dentists) denounces. These compotes, designed for babies or young children, are consumed daily because of their practicality. But they are far too rich in sugar: at least a quarter of the 109 compotes analyzed contain up to 150% more sugar than Coca-Cola! While in France, the recommended daily amount of sugar is 12.5 g for a child, some compotes contain up to 17.3 grams of sugar for only 100 grams of product.
Opaque and misleading claims
The press release reports that these compotes carry misleading messages to encourage purchases. For example, the statement “no added sugar”, used indiscriminately, does not mean that the sugar content is low. Especially since, according to specialists, added sugar is no more harmful than the intrinsic sugar of food, in terms of dental health. The BDA also reports that 40% of the compotes analyzed are offered from four months, while the WHO guidelines recommend dietary diversification only from six months, so that no product should be authorized to be marketed before this age.
Other labels refer to ingredients that have been “nutritionally approved”which are consistent with “nutritional and developmental needs” infants, or who are “organic”, “rich in fiber” or “containing 1 of your 5 fruits and vegetables per day”. On this subject, the president of the British Dental Association, Eddie Crouch, said: “Rogue marketers are making parents feel like they’re making a healthy choice with these pouches. Nothing could be further from the truth”.
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Besides sugar, these products are also problematic because of their format. Designed to be drawn directly from the sachet using a valve, they have the effect of keeping the contents in contact with the teeth for longer, increasing the risk of erosion and cavities. It is therefore recommended, especially from the age of six months, when children already have their first milk teeth, that babies consume the contents in a cup or beaker. More generally, it is recommended to favor natural fruits and vegetables.