Flavouring in South African baby food may have long-term impact - Study

A study by Stellenbosch University has revealed that many foods sold for babies aged between six and 23 months in South Africa contain flavourings that may have long-term consequences for their health and eating habits.

Around 36% of baby foods contained sweet flavourings like vanilla, caramel, and chocolate, and 84.2% of baby cereals and porridges had added flavourings.

They also found many products had misleading labels and violated national labelling regulations.

Feeding children these products early in life may condition them to prefer sweet flavours over healthier, natural food.

Wilana Barnard from the Department of Food Sciences at Stellenbosch University says these flavours are unnecessary and are only used to improve acceptance and ‘brand loyalty’ when a baby eats.

“I really want to encourage parents to read the ingredient lists; don’t just look at the front of the packaging,” she adds.

To listen to Barnard in conversation with Zain Johnson on CapeTalk’s Views and News, use the audio player below: