The Oral Health Foundation has called on the government to introduce greater regulations on baby food, following a BBC Panorama episode that exposed the high sugar content.

Market analysis of 209 products aimed at children under 12 months, uncovered that more than a quarter of the products contained more sugar by volume than Coca-Cola, with some containing 184 per cent of the sugar levels of the soft drink.

With many babies sucking the food straight from the pouch, they are at an increased risk of tooth decay as a result of the longer time the food is in contact with their teeth.

Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, said, “These products often come with no warning about sucking directly from the pouch. It means food sits on the teeth for longer, especially dangerous when it’s high in sugar, and stops babies learning how to chew or experience different textures.”

The charity said that while some parents may see ‘No added sugar’ and assume the product is healthy, in fact many products are made with fruit purées or juices, which are naturally high in free sugars. These sugars are released during processing and can be just as harmful to baby teeth as table sugar.

Nigel added, “The ‘No added sugar’ claims are misleading. When fruit is puréed or juiced, the sugars become free sugars – the kind that rot teeth. These products need clearer labelling, and parents must be told the truth.”

In addition, many baby food pouches are being marketed as suitable for babies as young as four months old, despite government and World Health Organisation guidance saying babies should only be fed breastmilk or formula until six months.

Nigel said, “Unfortunately, baby food labelling is still incredibly misleading. Brands claim these products are suitable from four months, which goes directly against NHS and WHO advice.”

The programme also exposed how these pouches often fall short when it comes to nutrition. One pouch from a well-known brand – Heinz sweet potato, chicken, and veggies – contained just 0.325mg of iron. According to NHS guidance, babies need between 4.3mg and 7.8mg of iron daily.

Nigel said, “Baby food pouches are incredibly popular with parents – they’re clean, quick and easy. But many lose vital nutrients like vitamin C during processing and don’t contain enough iron for babies to grow properly.”

Following the investigation, companies like Ella’s Kitchen, Piccolo and Aldi have said they will update labelling to reflect six-month weaning guidance, reduce sugar, and improve nutrient content. However, campaigners have said that this is not enough.

Nigel commented, “There’s an urgent need for transparency and proper regulation. We can’t rely on companies to do the right thing voluntarily. The government must step in, change the rules, and protect our children’s health.”

In response to the research, the British Dental Association (BDA) has launched a petition to the Department of Health to introduce mandatory regulation and build on existing policies.

Eddie Crouch, chair of the BDA, said, “Parents of infants are still being marketed products sugarier than Coke.

“It shouldn’t take dentists naming and shaming the worst offenders to bring about needed change. Voluntary action has failed. We need government to step up and force industry to do the right thing.”

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