Can food manufacturers boost child nutrition standards?

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Childhood nutrition is in the spotlight, with negative stories in the media frequently overplaying the positive. For example, earlier this year another Nestlé baby formula scandal​ came to light, while concerns over the ultra-processing of children’s foods​ continue to mount. However, the focus is now shifting towards the nutritional content of children’s foods, which critics claim is severely lacking.

“Malnutrition is a universal issue holding back development with devastating consequences for entire nations. It has a devastating impact on children – it blunts intellect, reduces productivity, and perpetuates poverty,” said a UNICEF spokesperson. “UNICEF and the European Union are committed to scaling up and sustaining our efforts to reach more children.”

However, UNICEF also notes childhood nutrition remains low on most European national agendas and is under-resourced.

A report published by The Food Foundation in the UK uncovered a significant decline in children’s health, stating “children in England are now shorter and more likely to have obesity and type 2 diabetes”. This has led to campaigners including celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, politician Gordon Brown and public health professor Michael Marmot joining The Food Foundation to call on Britain’s new Labour government​ to urgently address the decline in children’s health.

So why is the health of Europe’s children so poor? And are children’s foods lacking in nutrition?

Are children’s foods lacking nutrition?

While many consumers may be quick to blame manufacturers for skimping on the nutrients, the industry vehemently rejects such claims.

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