Dental Concerns Over Misleading Labels on Food Products

UNICEF, COMMIT Study Reveals Alarming Findings

THE PHILIPPINES: A new study conducted by UNICEF Philippines and the Consortium for Improving Complementary Foods in Southeast Asia (COMMIT) has uncovered concerning findings regarding the nutritional content and labeling practices of commercially produced packaged foods for children up to three years old in the Philippines.

High Presence of Added Sugars and Sweeteners

The study, which assessed over 180 infant cereals, snacks, and meals, found that more than a third of these products contain added sugars or sweeteners. This revelation is particularly alarming given the potential negative impact on children’s dental health and the risk of developing unhealthy eating habits that can lead to obesity and non-communicable diseases later in life.

The study also highlighted the widespread use of misleading labels and a lack of strict government regulations on these products. According to Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov, UNICEF representative to the Philippines, “Children have a right to good nutrition. Without updated and enforced food regulations to protect children, they will consume more unhealthy foods that have high sugar content and sweeteners.”

Absence of Filipino Language Labeling

Notably, none of the products analyzed included labels in the Filipino language, making it challenging for most parents and caregivers to accurately understand the nutritional content of the products. This language barrier poses a significant obstacle in ensuring informed decision-making by consumers.

Additionally, one in four food products assessed did not recommend the minimum age of consumption as at least six months old, raising concerns about the potential risks associated with introducing these products too early in a child’s life.

While nearly all dry or instant cereal products were found to be fortified, their fortification levels fell below the recommended standards, potentially depriving children of essential nutrients.

Call for Improved Regulations and Education

The authors of the study have called upon the government to improve regulations for the sale of commercially produced food, prohibit the use of added sugars and sweeteners, and ban “misleading marketing and labeling” practices. They also emphasized the need to educate parents about “deceptive marketing and labeling practices” to ensure informed choices.

As commercially produced food makes up a significant portion of young children’s diets in the Philippines, with 83% of mothers from urban areas reporting providing these foods to their young children daily, addressing these issues is crucial for safeguarding the health and well-being of Filipino children.