It's a big question: what about industrial baby food? Some parents ban them completely, while others only use these formulas to feed their babies. But what's really in them? What is the legislation and has it changed recently? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these formulas? How can they be integrated and developed in baby's diet? I am answering all these questions to help you to see more clearly and I declare that I have no conflict of interest in this article.
First of all, an update on the regulations...
As soon as it comes to elements, nutritional or not, intended for young children, the regulations are very strict and that's good! A decree of1 July 1976 defined the terms and conditions of foods intended for infants and young children. Very precise standards govern the manufacture,hygiene and composition of these little baby dishes. These preparations also meet the nutritional needs of babies according to their age and respect the official recommendations, in particular thanks to an adapted composition in proteins, salt, vitamins and minerals.
The use of preservatives, colourings, sweeteners, artificial flavourings and hormones is totally prohibited. As for additives, the number of authorisations is very limited, 53 compared to 400 for normal food! The thresholds applicable to nitrates are 10 times lower than for conventional food... It is also forbidden to use certain pesticides in crops; and for others, residue thresholds in finished products are up to 500 times stricter than for adult food (levels below 0.01 mg/kg). Compliance thresholds are 2 to 25 times lower for heavy metals: e.g. lead, cadmium, etc. Monitoring of microbiological contaminants after sterilisation or pasteurisation is increased, with, for example, 10 checks for listeria, the bacterium responsible for listeriosis, compared with 1 for other foods. Even the packaging is important: some phthalates are banned because they are identified as endocrine disruptors!
As you can see, these baby food products are produced according to rigorous standards. And whether or not the food comes from organic farming, it doesn't make much difference! It will depend on your personal or family sensitivity.
The 1976 decree has evolved over time to give rise to an AFNOR NFV90-001 standard and a logo called: "Intended for the feeding of the very young", where you can find further information on the site : www.alimentatationdutoutpetit.fr.
To complete this information, let's have a look at the advantages...
Industrial baby food jars are very practical when travelling for reasons of hygiene and food safety and are also suitable for emergency use. They are just as useful at the beginning of food diversification in relation to the small volumes consumed by baby. The portions and taste varieties change as your child grows. These dishes sometimes even make it possible to try old, unusual or even unusual foods that we do not like ourselves! Some companies, on a more human scale than the best-known multinationals, are flourishing on the Internet and now offer delicious and original pasteurised baby food. To sum up , these little pots are completely appropriate if you don't have the time or don't want to cook!
There are a few disadvantages though!
What I regularly notice, when I walk through the baby food aisles or through the food packages that parents bring to me for consultation, is the low or evennon-existent content ofadded fat in the preparations. As a reminder, they are essential to meet the nutritional needs in order to guarantee harmonious growth and optimal cerebral development of children.
Another disadvantage is the texture of these dishes. It should be suitable for the majority of children, but it is still relatively soft and blended, and therefore not conducive to the development of oro-motor skills. One study showed that a late change in texture had an impact on diversity and the food repertoire. Moreover, the majority of dishes are green, white or orange, even though we know how colourful a varied diet can be! Some children, always subjected to the same brands (same colour, container, texture, recipe...), have a period of exacerbated food neophobia, thus remaining in their comfort zone.
As so-called "infant " milk products are part of these infant preparations, I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you of the article I've already written on the subject . They are no longer made from infant milk despite what is still being said by some health professionals. They are now made from whole milk, just like some of the classic dairy products on the shelves, but the addition of sugar makes them less suitable for baby than a classic plain milk product. In the same vein, plant-based desserts such as plant-based shakes do not contain calcium and are therefore not to be compared with or given as a replacement for a milk product.
Final points of vigilance: opt for versions with meat products at lunchtime and without for the evening if the entire portion has been consumed. Vary the recipes: single vegetables or vegetable mixes, taking care to include starchy foods as often as possible in the preparation. Industrial baby food jars should be kept for 24 hours after opening, and care should be taken when reheating them in the microwave as there is a risk of burning! To conclude this article, I would say that these industrial baby food jars can be a complement to home-made family food and are quite practical to help out. And to save time and be super organised parents, don't hesitate to cook large quantities and freeze small portions for baby.
Dietician - Nutritionist specialising in paediatrics
Sources
- Order of 1 July 1976 on food intended for infants and young children
- AFNOR standard NFV90-001
- Website: A new symbol for better choosing baby food. (alimentationdutoutpetit.fr)
- Article MPEDIA. Child specialist: "Intended for the feeding of toddlers": a new logo to better inform parents