Recently I have seen a parent feeding her 1.5 years old child biscuits. This made me wonder are all parents truly aware of what they are feeding their children?
Health experts generally recommend avoiding added sugars in young children, especially during the first few years of life. Excessive sugar consumption at an early age can increase the risk of obesity, dental cavities and other health problems later in life. While some parents have become more conscious about nutrition and regularly read food labels before purchasing, many others may not have access to the same information.
Awareness campaigns on nutrition are frequently shared through the internet and social media. However, are these messages reaching everyone? What about individuals who do not use smartphones, have limited internet access or unable to read food labels?
The problem extends beyond sugary snacks. We have also seen concerns regarding products marketed as Oral Rehydration Solution(ORS) drinks that contain high amounts of sugar and are not suitable for standard Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) during diarrhea. Yet, many consumers remain unaware of this distinction.
Another growing concerns is misleading labelling. Terms such as “Sugar-free”, “healthy” or “natural” can sometimes create confusion if consumers do not carefully examine the ingredients list and nutritional information. Food companies have a responsibility to provide clear, accurate and transparent labelling so that consumers can make informed choices.
In the era where misinformation spreads rapidly, public education is more important than ever.
So who should bear the responsibility – Companies for using misleading labels, or consumers for not reading them carefully? What about the individuals who cannot read and understand the label?
Processed food products should not be introduced to young children especially in the developing age as it can have detrimental effects later in life. Parents often choose convenience over nutrition & health. Children should be given home made foods as much as possible.
Misinformation spreads faster, very true. Both companies and consumers have a responsibility. To make people aware of what they are feeding is very important. Companies should be made clear not to provide labels that mislead. It’s a trust every consumer has in the brand they buy. Not every person might go through the ingredients list to cross-check.
The ‘sugar free’ or ‘natural’ are highly deceptive marketing traps. Substituting sucrose with maltodextrin or fruit juices sparks the exact same insulin spikes and early dental caries. Introducing these processed profiles to a toddler permanently skews their lifelong taste preferences.
Companies should also be called out publicly, as they are misleading children and those who cannot read or write with their advertisements of misinformation or with hidden marketing disclaimers. As Kissan Ketchup claims made with 100% real tomatoes, very little percentage of tomatoes are used rather, the bottle consists of artificial thickeners, water, preservatives, and high amounts of added sugar .
Misleading advertisement are everywhere. Even Packed food showing healthy, these are also unhealthy. While feeding to baby , parents should be more aware of these information.
I think both companies with misleading levels and the consumers without reading using products are at fault. Educated people should read carefully and avoid sugar consumption for their children. Educational camps and awareness program should be conducted for uneducated people.
Nutrition literacy is becoming just as important as food availability. Even the healthiest-looking packaging can be misleading, which is why learning to read ingredient lists may be one of the most valuable skills parents can develop
Packed foods in anyways are harmful mainly for the children and should be avoided and that is the main reason of early disease that are occurring from childhood.
This is such an important discussion. I believe the responsibility is shared. Companies should use clear, honest labeling, while governments and healthcare professionals need to improve nutrition education, especially for parents with limited literacy or internet access. Informed choices are only possible when information is both accessible and easy to understand.