Busy Manila Moms Turn to Convenient Baby Food Options
Jennylyn M Barrios, a make-up artist in Manila, struggles to find time to prepare homemade meals for her 10-month-old son Uno. With a demanding job, she relies on commercially available baby food products like Cerelac to ensure her baby gets the nutrients he needs.
In recent years, sales of instant cereals, porridges, and pureed foods have doubled across South East Asia, with Cerelac being a popular choice among Filipino moms. Nestle’s instant porridge mix offers convenience, affordability, and aspiration, but health professionals are concerned about the added sugar content.
Controversy Over Added Sugar in Baby Food
While Nestle claims to follow international and local guidelines on sugar content, WHO has called for stricter regulations to avoid sugar and salt in food for children under three. Despite the benefits of added micronutrients in Cerelac, some flavors contain added sugar to mask the taste of essential nutrients like iron and DHA.
Nutritionists warn that early exposure to high sugar levels in baby food can contribute to malnutrition, obesity, and other health issues in children. With nearly half of baby foods in South East Asia containing added sugars, there is a growing concern about the impact on children’s health.
Calls for Regulation and Healthier Alternatives
Public health experts advocate for stricter regulations on sugar content in baby food products to protect children’s health. Unicef recommends clearer labeling and restrictions on social media advertising targeting children to promote healthier eating habits.
While influencers like Chiara Maganalles promote products like Cerelac, critics argue that paid partnerships can blur the line between expert advice and marketing. Nestle emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet and plans to introduce sugar-free varieties of their products in the coming years.
The Future of Baby Food in the Philippines
Senator Imee Marcos is sponsoring a bill to ban the addition of sugar in baby food products, with penalties for non-compliance. Nestle acknowledges the need for change and is committed to phasing out added sugar in their baby food range to promote healthier options for children.
Research suggests that reducing sugar intake in the first 1,000 days of a baby’s life can lower the risk of developing chronic health conditions later in life. As awareness grows about the importance of early nutrition, the baby food industry in the Philippines faces pressure to prioritize health over convenience.
