Evaluation of Commercially Available Complementary Foods in Slovenia: A Comparison with the Draft WHO Nutrient Profile Model
TL;DR
CACFs should be reformulated and that a higher content of (bitter) vegetables should be encouraged, and there is also a need to establish a legislative framework for CACFs, addressing both content and labelling.
Abstract
Research background. After six months of life, breast milk alone is insufficient to meet infants’ energy and nutritional needs, making the introduction of complementary foods (CF) necessary. Little is known globally about the quality of commercially available complementary foods (CACFs) and whether the ingredients, nutritional values, and labelling of CACFs are consistent with the draft WHO nutrient profile model from 2019 for CACFs for infants and young children up to 36 months old in the WHO European Region. Experimental approach. We examined 241 CACF samples available on the Slovenian market and recorded the target age group, the presence of added sugar or sweeteners, and the fat and sodium content indicated on the label. The results were compared with the draft WHO nutrient profile model from 2019. Results and conclusions. The results showed that almost 40 % of the samples were labelled as suitable for infants under 6 months, which could undermine breastfeeding and contribute to the early introduction of nutritionally unsuitable foods. 37 % of the samples contained added sugars or sweetening agents. All samples met the draft WHO nutrient profile model criteria for fat content, indicating suitability for infants and young children up to 36 months in this respect. The upper limit for sodium content was exceeded in 19 % of samples from different categories. All beverages and 90 % of snacks were labelled as suitable for children under 36 months, which does not align with the draft WHO nutrient profile model. Novelty and scientific contribution. Based on our findings and recognising that nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life is critical for growth and development, we conclude that CACFs should be reformulated and that a higher content of (bitter) vegetables should be encouraged. There is also a need to establish a legislative framework for CACFs, addressing both content and labelling.