UK Orders Baby Food Makers to Cut Sugar and Salt Within 18 Months

The UK Department of Health and Social Care has issued voluntary guidelines giving baby food manufacturers 18 months to reduce sugar and salt levels, improve labelling, and end the promotion of snacks aimed at infants under 12 months. Companies that fail to act by February 2027 risk further government measures, including the possibility of mandatory standards. The recommendations cover a broad range of products sold in England, such as pouches, finger foods, desserts and yogurts. Desserts and breakfasts should contain no more than 10 grams of total sugar per 100 grams, while baby meals are limited to 60 milligrams of salt per 100 kilocalories, rising to 100 milligrams when cheese is included. Marketing claims suggesting health benefits must now be backed by scientific evidence, and foods that exceed the new thresholds can no longer be branded as healthy. The move follows a BBC investigation that highlighted nutrient shortfalls in popular pouches and the National Diet and Nutrition Survey showing that two-thirds of children aged 18 months to three years consume excessive sugar. More than one-fifth of four- to five-year-olds are overweight or obese, a trend that costs the National Health Service an estimated £11.4 billion annually. The British Specialist Nutrition Association, representing leading brands including Ella’s Kitchen and Organix, said its members have already begun reformulating recipes and will "work towards the published guidelines." Ministers warned they will "consider additional or alternative measures" if the voluntary approach fails to deliver healthier products on supermarket shelves.