Hidden sugars in Asia’s baby food spark concerns

As families in South East Asia become wealthier, many parents are opting for commercial baby food products instead of preparing homemade meals. This trend is particularly evident in the Philippines, where busy lifestyles are becoming the norm. Jennylyn M Barrios, a make-up artist and mother to a 10-month-old son named Uno, finds it challenging to dedicate time to cooking. 'If I need to make something from scratch, I need to work double time before I finish the product,' she explains. 'But with Cerelac, I just need to add hot water and prepare the mix. I feed it three times a day – for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s easy to feed, available, and affordable – all great for working mums. ' Jennylyn is not alone; many mothers are increasingly turning to commercially available baby food products. In fact, sales of instant cereals, porridges, pureed foods, pouches, and snacks across South East Asia have doubled in the last five years. Cerelac, an instant porridge mix produced by Nestle, is particularly popular due to its convenience and affordability, especially as the cost of living rises. Social media is filled with images of happy mothers feeding their babies Cerelac, highlighting its nutritional benefits. However, while the product is well-known globally, the ingredients in the South East Asian version may raise eyebrows. Alongside the added micronutrients that Cerelac provides, some flavors in the Philippines contain added sugar, which has raised concerns among health professionals. Nestle claims to adhere to strict standards set by the Codex Commission, a collective of food manufacturers, governments, and UN agencies. 'The added sugar we have in our products is well below the threshold prescribed by international and local guidelines,' said Arlene Tan-Bantoto, Nestlé Nutrition business executive officer. However, the World Health Organization has criticized these standards as inadequate, urging for updates that focus on reducing sugar and salt in foods for children under three years old. A Unicef study of 1,600 baby foods across South East Asia revealed that nearly half contained added sugars and sweeteners. Ms. Tan-Bantoto explained that sugar is necessary in Cerelac to mask the taste of essential nutrients like iron, which can taste metallic, and DHA, which has a fishy smell. 'Micronutrient deficiency is widespread in the country, and we are serious about alleviating it,' she stated. 'Ninety-seven percent of babies do not meet their daily nutrient requirements, and 40% of babies aged zero to five suffer from iron deficiency anemia. We know that being anemic can have lifelong consequences, including poor brain development and immunity issues. ' At a clinic in Manila, doctors frequently witness the effects of malnutrition in babies and toddlers. As diets change, the presentation of malnutrition is also evolving. 'Sometimes they are underweight, some are overweight, and some are severely malnourished,' one doctor shared. The rise in overweight children is concerning, and experts point to various factors, including lifestyle changes and urbanization. Nutritionists emphasize that taste preferences are formed early in life, and in countries like the Philippines, many sweet foods are introduced to children at a young age. This is why the added sugar in products like Cerelac is alarming, according to public health experts like Dr. Mianne Silvestre. The most popular flavor of Cerelac in the Philippines contains about 17. 5 grams of total sugars per serving, which is more than four teaspoons of sugar. Nestle does offer several variants without added sugar, but many parents may not be aware of these options. Dr. Silvestre explains that malnutrition is not just about being undernourished; it also includes being overnourished, which can lead to overweight and obesity in children. 'Starting these babies on this level of sugar is mind-boggling,' she said. Unicef nutrition officer Alice Nkoroi highlights the lack of local government regulations that put parents at a disadvantage. 'In other countries, there are regulations that control what is sold and ensure that companies clearly label their products, making it easier for families to understand what is healthy and what is not,' she noted. Additionally, the influence of social media cannot be ignored. Many influencers in the Philippines promote baby food products, which can create confusion for parents. Chiara Maganalles, known as Mommy Diaries PH, has a significant following on social media and often shares her experiences with Cerelac. She believes it is a convenient option that fits her budget. However, experts caution that her recommendations may not align with Nestle's guidelines. Nestle advises that Cerelac should be a complementary food in a baby's diet, not the sole food consumed throughout the day. 'At least give one bowl,' Ms. Tan-Bantoto said, emphasizing the importance of a diverse diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and meats. There is a growing demand for regulation in the Philippines, with Imee Marcos, a senator and sister of the current president, sponsoring a bill to prohibit added sugar in baby food. If passed, manufacturers could face fines or imprisonment for non-compliance. 'I'm very hopeful that it will see the light of day,' Senator Marcos told the BBC. Nestle claims to be responsive to these concerns and is working to phase out added sugar in baby food. They plan to introduce a sugar-free version of Cerelac and aim to eliminate all added sugar within the next two to three years. Research indicates that reducing sugar intake during the first 1,000 days of a baby's life can significantly lower the risk of developing health issues later in life. A study from the University of Southern California found that limiting sugar intake in early life can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 35% and high blood pressure by 20%. Experts believe that the first 1,000 days of life are crucial for shaping a person's future health.