Researchers raise concerns over potential harm of flavourings in baby food

Stellenbosch researchers have raised concerns about the potential harm of flavourings in baby food.

Their research found many baby food packages in South Africa contained added flavourings.

These flavourings could negatively affect babies' eating habits and long-term health.

Researcher for the Department of Food Sciences at Stellenbosch University, Wilana Barnard, said that exposing babies to these sweet flavourings could affect their eating habits later in their life.

"Almost 85% of baby cereals and porridges contain flavourings. The flavourings were primarily of sweet flavours, with vanilla being the most prevalent flavour. Other flavours include caramel, chocolate, honey and rooibos."

Barnard added that babies could grow to prefer these sweet flavours over natural flavours in foods. 

"Our studies show that about a third of commercial complementary foods contained flavourings, with just over three quarters of these containing one and the remainder up to three flavourings."