World Health Organization report shows, baby food often contains too much sugar and is incorrectly advertised as suitable for infants under 6 months of age.

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According to the study, at least half of the products analyzed in three of four cities provided more than 30% of their calories from sugars. About a third of them listed sugar, concentrated fruit juice or other sweeteners as an ingredient.

This can give young children a lifelong preference for sweet foods as a result raises the risk for obesity and diabetes later. Babies must be exclusively breastfed for the first six months after birth recommends WHO, advice the world’s biggest baby-food makers like Nestle SA and Danone echo.

The study showed that as much as 60% of baby food products were being advertised as suitable for infants, added WHO. Although it is permitted under European Union law still it does break WHO’s guidance that food products to supplement breast milk or formula should not be marketed as suitable for babies under 6 months of age.

Between November 2017 and January 2018, the WHO collected data on 7,955 food or drink products marketed for infants and young children from 516 stores. The study didn’t mention any company or brand names.

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