Help for household: Government initiative could have disastrous consequences for children’s oral health

To ensure that the foods are as cost-effective as possible, heavily processed foods form most of the options for children. Healthy options such as fruit and vegetables are up to three times more expensive than processed foods. These processed foods contain high levels of salt and sugar which can have negative long-term effects for children’s oral health.

Research published in Public Health Nutrition in 2021 showed a distinct link between children ingesting heavily processed foods and early childhood caries. Therefore, a consideration must be made between the short term advantages of in-expensive foods and the long-term health of the child.

Speaking to The Guardian Professor Greta Defeyter, director of the Healthy Living Lab at Northumbria University said, “The government should not be promoting menus primarily consisting of ultra-processed foods. Families should have quality, nutritious food all year round.