Member Matters

Push for better standards for foods for infants and young children 

16 September 2024

In recent weeks, there has been growing momentum from public health bodies and state governments to improve standards for commercial foods targeting infants and young children. South Australian Health Minister, Chris Picton, recently highlighted concerns, noting that some products contain more sugar than a typical chocolate bar. 

The consumption of commercially available infant and toddler foods has seen a notable rise, as many parents and caregivers view these products as convenient, affordable, and healthy. However, this trend has also raised questions about the nutritional quality, packaging (use of pouches with spouts), product name and description, and on-pack claims of these foods, prompting calls for regulatory action. 

The Federal Department of Health and Aged Care has responded by releasing a consultation paper inviting public feedback on proposed policy options to address these concerns. The consultation period concluded on Friday, 13 September. In response, the AFGC formed a working group to prepare a submission which is now available through the Member Centre portal. 

Efforts like these, signal a growing recognition that foods marketed for infants and young children need to meet appropriate nutritional standards, supporting better health outcomes from the earliest stages of life – this may be through voluntary initiatives such as the Health Food Partnership or regulation.